Minneapolis vs Prior Lake: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Prior Lake, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Prior Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,878▲ | $63,063 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12▲ | $30.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,760▲ | $48,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,566▲ | $54,929 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,274▲ | $72,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,516 | $89,423▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Prior Lake is $5,815 (9.22%). Minneapolis's median is +5.29% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $17,756,Prior Lake spans $40,815. Prior Lake 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, Minneapolis ($65,709 effective) pays 2.63% more than Prior Lake ($64,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,878/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,709)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,423)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Minneapolis grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Prior Lake over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$52,380 (2019) → $65,830 (2025)
Prior Lake, MN
$55,915 (2024) → $60,272 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Prior Lake, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Minneapolis or Prior Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Prior Lake?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Prior Lake as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Minneapolis vs Prior Lake?
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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