Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Edina, MN: $48,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,383 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,120 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,291) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the athletic training field in Edina can expect to see starting salaries around $48,383 in 2026, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $62,291. This gap highlights a common trend as entry-level professionals navigate their early careers, with growth opportunities that can elevate pay over the first few years. With an average increase projected at 4.63% annually, those in entry-level positions may find their earnings advancing towards the $54,747 mark within the first 3-5 years, providing a clear path for financial growth. Furthermore, Edina serves as a decent market for new grads, particularly as demand for athletic trainers continues to increase, offering various opportunities across educational and industrial settings.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edina
Entry-level athletic trainers in Edina, MN typically start between $48,383 and $54,747 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,905 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,291 — 4.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 124.01% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,383/year) in Edina. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAATE-accredited Master of Science in Athletic Training programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institutions; the BOC certification exam is required after graduation for practice.
AT, ATC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,383 to $54,747, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the athletic training field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edina, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Athletic Trainer Compensation Range
The athletic trainer wage spread in Edina is $40,905 ( 84.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,383, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,288.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,041
2025 BLS Actual
$46,242
2026 Current Est.
$48,383
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,653 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,473 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,242 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,623 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,041 in 2019 to $46,242 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,623. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your athletic training Career in Edina
In Edina, new grad athletic trainers often secure positions in high schools, where athletic training services are increasingly outsourced to local sports medicine programs, or within industrial environments that cater to workplace health. These sectors frequently present the best employment prospects for recent graduates, as collegiate-level positions typically require both a graduate assistant role or prior internship experience. To enhance starting athletic trainer pay in MN, holding a Master’s degree from an accredited program, achieving Board of Certification (BOC) credentials, and obtaining a state license are essential steps. Moreover, pursuing optional specialty certifications can further increase earning potential. Those beginning their careers should strategically consider opportunities in industrial settings, as these roles can pay significantly more than traditional school-based positions. With realistic salary growth expectations and the continued expansion of athletic training roles, new graduates can position themselves favorably in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new athletic training graduates. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for athletic trainers (SOC 29-9091).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov