Athletic Trainer Salary in Elk River, MN: $63,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Elk River, MN earns a median $63,127/year (≈ $30.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $64,088 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, athletic trainers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,127 in 2026, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the profession following the 2022 transition to a master's degree requirement. The salary ranges from $52,139 at the lower end (P10) to $89,800 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the varied pay scale depending on experience and specialization within the field. These estimates are influenced by local economic factors and are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected forward to 2026. This adjustment situates Elk River's compensation slightly below the national median of $65,415, demonstrating both challenges and opportunities for athletic trainers seeking employment in this region.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,139 | $25.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,508 | $27.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,127 | $30.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,506 | $34.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,800 | $43.17 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,661 (2026 est.). At $63,127, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Elk River median: $63,127/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,416 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.50% less |
Athletic Trainers in Elk River, MN earn a median of $63,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $64,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $63,127 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,088 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,746
2025 BLS Actual
$60,334
2026 Current Est.
$63,127
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,746 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,117 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,050 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,746 (2019) to $60,334 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,050 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,304 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,139 – $57,508 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,508 – $63,127 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,127 – $72,506 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,506 – $89,800 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Elk River
With only four athletic trainers currently employed in Elk River, the local job market is relatively small but stable. The area’s cost-of-living index of 98.5 indicates that living expenses are lower than the national average, allowing for potentially better purchasing power relative to salary. In Elk River, employers such as high schools typically offer lower compensation compared to college sports programs or industrial settings. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to the scope of responsibilities; roles in professional or industrial contexts tend to provide higher salaries due to added requirements and year-round contracts. Athletic trainers looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing specialized certifications, negotiating for stipends associated with special events, and seeking positions in higher-paying environments like colleges or occupational health facilities. This strategic approach can significantly enhance athletic trainer pay in Elk River, MN.
More salary data for Elk River, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,334 for athletic trainersin the Elk River metropolitan area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elk River 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