Minot vs West Fargo: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Minot, ND and West Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minot, ND | West Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,102 | $59,144▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.42 | $28.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,952 | $45,993▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,727 | $51,815▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,325▲ | $68,172 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,707 | $84,308▲ |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 10 |
Verdict
West Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minot.
The salary gap between Minot and West Fargo is $42 (0.07%). West Fargo's median is -9.59% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minot spans $34,755,West Fargo spans $38,315. West Fargo 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, West Fargo ($64,287 effective) pays 0.07% more than Minot ($64,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minot if…
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose West Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,144/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,308)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,287)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Minot grew 20.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in West Fargo over the same period.
Minot, ND
$46,982 (2024) → $56,487 (2025)
West Fargo, ND
$47,015 (2024) → $56,527 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Minot or West Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minot and West Fargo?
Should I relocate from Minot to West Fargo as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Minot vs West Fargo?
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