Entry-Level Athletic Trainer Salary in Woodbury, MN: $50,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:New athletic trainers entering the Woodbury, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,379 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-9091, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodbury's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,146 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,282) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the athletic training field in Woodbury, Minnesota, the starting athletic trainer salary is projected to be around $50,379 in 2026. While this figure might initially seem modest compared to the city’s median of $65,282, it sets a foundational stage for salary growth. Trainees can expect to advance to the 25th percentile, earning approximately $57,130 as they build experience over the first few years. Given Woodbury’s modest cost of living index of 98.5, new grads may find that their starting pay offers a competitive edge compared to national figures. This growth trajectory reflects the industry's overall expansion, making Woodbury a promising market for those beginning their careers in athletic training.
About the Woodbury Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodbury
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 Woodbury
Entry-level athletic trainers in Woodbury, MN typically start between $50,379 and $57,130 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,282 — 0.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average athletic training program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 119.10% of the starting athletic trainer pay ($50,379/year) in Woodbury. 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 Woodbury
- 1Research the Woodbury market: entry-level athletic trainer pay ranges from $50,379 to $57,130, 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 Woodbury, 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 Woodbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodbury'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 Woodbury is $40,406 ( 80.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,379, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,785.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,281
2025 BLS Actual
$48,150
2026 Current Est.
$50,379
2019–2027 Growth
+68.5%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,281 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,153 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,659 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,712 | Projected |
Entry-level athletic trainer compensation (10th percentile) in Woodbury, MN grew 53.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,281 in 2019 to $48,150 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,712. New graduates entering the Woodbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodbury 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 Woodbury
New graduates looking to establish their careers as athletic trainers in Woodbury should consider the primary employers in the area. Local high schools are often the largest hire, frequently contracting athletic training services through hospital sports medicine programs. Those interested in industrial settings might find positions through specialty staffing firms, which can offer significantly higher salaries—ranging from 30% to 50% more than traditional school roles. Critical to enhancing starting pay in MN are credentials such as earning a Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and obtaining the ATC credential via the BOC national exam. With continued education, including optional specialty certifications, new grads can strategically position themselves for salary growth over their first three years. Engaging with the NATA network can also open doors and provide essential industry support, paving the way for a rewarding career in athletic training.
More salary data for Woodbury, 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 Woodbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodbury 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