Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $33.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Minneapolis, MN runs $33.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,878 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,328 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the athletic trainer hourly pay in Minneapolis is projected to reach a median of $33.12, which is higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the demand for athletic trainers across various environments such as high schools, college athletic facilities, professional sports teams, and industrial workplace clinics. For those working part-time, such as athletic trainers on a three-day-per-week schedule, this hourly wage translates to approximately $53,000 annually, allowing for a modest livelihood while maintaining a flexible work-life dynamic. Per-diem work, common for game coverage or event staffing, further diversifies income avenues with varying pay structures, ranging from $200 to $500 per event. Hourly rates in Minneapolis vary from $31.62 for entry-level positions to $40.16 for those at the top of the pay scale, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, providing opportunities for growth for both new and seasoned professionals.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.62 | $252.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.01 | $256.05 |
| Median (P50) | $33.12 | $264.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.64 | $301.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.16 | $321.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $33.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.12/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $68,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,738. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,324.62 | $5,740 | $68,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $794.77 | $3,444 | $41,328 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.85 | $2,296 | $27,552 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Minneapolis) | $33.12 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $68,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 6.90% above the Minnesota state average of $64,432.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.12/hr = $41,328/year (purchasing power: $39,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,880/year (purchasing power: $65,711).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Minneapolis grew 25.7% from $25.18/hr (2019) to $31.65/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Minneapolis
Part-time athletic trainers working just three days a week can achieve a substantial income, but their overall annual income will significantly differ compared to full-time professionals. While full-time athletic trainers typically secure more stable positions offering benefits, part-time trainers often trade off benefits for flexibility and potential per diem earnings. Those engaged in locum or agency work can command between $50 and $80 per hour in industrial settings, which are often more lucrative than traditional school roles. Athletic trainers in professional sports can also receive game coverage stipends that range from $200 to $1,000, reflecting the high stakes involved. In Minneapolis, the pay can vary depending on the employer type, with industrial and military settings generally providing higher compensation than secondary schools or educational institutions. Negotiating for better hourly rates can be advantageous; seeking roles that offer comprehensive health packages while balancing pay should be a strategic consideration, particularly as the landscape of athletic training evolves post-2022's master's degree requirement transition.
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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