Athletic Trainer Salary

Duluth vs Woodbury: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Duluth, MN and Woodbury, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$67,444
$32.42/hr
Woodbury, MN
$65,282
$31.39/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNWoodbury, MN
Median Salary$67,444$65,282
Hourly Rate$32.42$31.39
Entry Level (P10)$50,296$50,379
25th Percentile$63,155$57,130
75th Percentile$68,554$77,278
Top Earner (P90)$87,042$90,785
Total Employed5018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($67,444) and Woodbury ($65,282) athletic trainer salaries.DuluthWoodburyMedian Salary$67,444$65,282Entry Level (P10)$50,296$50,379Top Earner (P90)$87,042$90,785US Median $65,415

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodbury.

The salary gap between Duluth and Woodbury is $2,162 (3.31%). Duluth's median is +3.10% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $36,746,Woodbury spans $40,406. Woodbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$50,296
P25$63,155
Median$67,444
P75$68,554
P90 (Top)$87,042
Woodbury
P10 (Entry)$50,379
P25$57,130
Median$65,282
P75$77,278
P90 (Top)$90,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($75,978 effective) pays 14.64% more than Woodbury ($66,276 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $67,444
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $75,978
Woodbury
Nominal: $65,282
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $66,276

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,444/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,978)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Woodbury if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,785)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Duluth grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Woodbury over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+28.6%

$50,130 (2019) → $64,460 (2025)

Woodbury, MN

+7.8%

$57,882 (2024) → $62,393 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Duluth or Woodbury?

Duluth has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $67,444/year, compared to Woodbury at $65,282/year — a difference of $2,162 (3.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Woodbury?

Duluth athletic trainers earn $32.42/hr while Woodbury hygienists earn $31.39/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Woodbury as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Woodbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $75,978, Woodbury = $66,276), job availability (50 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Duluth vs Woodbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $50,296 in Duluth and $50,379 in Woodbury. The Woodbury area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov