Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $65,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Minneapolis, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,760 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minneapolis's local price level (BEA RPP 104.8 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,735 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,878) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates stepping into the role of athletic trainer in Minneapolis can expect a starting salary of around $65,760 per year in 2026. This figure is somewhat less than the city's overall median annual salary of $68,878, leaving a gap that new entrants should be prepared for as they establish their careers. In the first few years, salaries will likely increase incrementally as professionals gain experience and skills, with potential earnings reaching $66,566 at the 25th percentile. For those examining whether Minneapolis is a viable market for their career launch, its anticipated growth rate of 4.63% in the industry suggests a promising landscape, particularly for motivated entry-level professionals eager to advance in their field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minneapolis
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 Minneapolis
Entry-level athletic trainers in Minneapolis, MN typically start between $65,760 and $66,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,756 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,878 — 5.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 91.24% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($65,760/year) in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis
- 1Research the Minneapolis market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $65,760 to $66,566, 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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minneapolis'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 Minneapolis is $17,756 ( 27.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,760, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,516.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,370
2025 BLS Actual
$62,850
2026 Current Est.
$65,760
2019–2027 Growth
+66.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,805 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Minneapolis, MN grew 51.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,370 in 2019 to $62,850 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,805. New graduates entering the Minneapolis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis
When it comes to employment opportunities, high school athletic training services in Minneapolis often recruit new graduates, particularly as these positions may be outsourced to local hospital sports medicine programs. Industrial settings, which encompass occupational athletic training roles, typically remunerate far more favorably—often by 30-50% compared to traditional school-based positions. To maximize starting pay in Minnesota, aspiring trainers should earn their Master’s degree from a CAATE-accredited program, obtain the ATC credential via the BOC national exam, and secure the requisite state license. This evolved pathway, transitioning from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree as of 2022, reflects the growing complexity of the profession. New grads should plan for realistic salary growth expectations, honing their skills and credentials as they navigate their first few years in diverse settings, potentially boosting their earning potential beyond standard entry-level offerings.
More salary data for Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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