Inver Grove Heights vs St. Paul: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Inver Grove Heights, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Inver Grove Heights, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,163 | $68,186▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.36 | $32.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,919 | $51,570▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,139 | $59,555▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,589 | $81,328▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,919 | $104,731▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Inver Grove Heights.
The salary gap between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul is $5,023 (7.95%). St. Paul's median is +4.24% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Inver Grove Heights spans $41,000,St. Paul spans $53,161. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($69,224 effective) pays 7.95% more than Inver Grove Heights ($64,125 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Inver Grove Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,186/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,731)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,224)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Inver Grove Heights grew 7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Inver Grove Heights, MN
$56,004 (2024) → $60,368 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$59,384 (2024) → $65,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Inver Grove Heights, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Inver Grove Heights or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Inver Grove Heights to St. Paul as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Inver Grove Heights vs St. Paul?
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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.
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