Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Faribault, MN: $48,054 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,054 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,786 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,865) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of athletic training in Faribault, Minnesota, the starting salary presents unique opportunities and challenges. With an entry-level pay around $48,054, expectations should be aligned with the city's median annual salary of $60,865, highlighting a gap of over $12,000. As professionals transition from this initial pay point toward the 25th percentile at $53,546, and eventually reach the median within their first three to five years, continued growth is projected at an annual rate of 4.63%. Given the overall market conditions in Faribault, this area remains a viable option for new grad athletic trainer pay MN, though prospective candidates should be aware of the salary disparities in comparison to larger metropolitan markets.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level athletic trainers in Faribault, MN typically start between $48,054 and $53,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,117 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,865 — 6.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 124.86% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($48,054/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $48,054 to $53,546, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $35,117 ( 73.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,054, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,171.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,837
2025 BLS Actual
$45,928
2026 Current Est.
$48,054
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,162 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,054 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,279 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,837 in 2019 to $45,928 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,279. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
In Faribault, entry-level athletic trainers primarily find employment through high school athletic programs and hospital sports medicine services, which frequently outsource their athletic training needs. Industrial settings are another avenue worth exploring, as they actively recruit new grads and often offer pay that's 30-50% higher than school-based positions. To boost starting athletic trainer salary Faribault rates, new professionals should focus on obtaining their BOC national certification, state licensure, and any relevant continuing education courses. Additionally, while the 2022 transition to a master’s degree requirement has reshaped the entry path, it lays the groundwork for career advancements. In their first one to three years, new athletic trainers in this market can realistically expect salary growth consistent with local hiring trends, establishing a solid foundation for ongoing professional development.
More salary data for Faribault, 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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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