Athletic Trainer Salary in Mankato, MN: $64,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Mankato, MN earns a median $64,525/year (≈ $31.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $70,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Mankato, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,525 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive stance within the national context where the median salary is slightly higher at $65,415. The salary range for athletic trainers in the area indicates variation in earnings, with lower-end salaries starting at $50,777 and top-tier positions reaching as high as $76,934. These figures are derived from comprehensive surveys and analyses based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for the following year. The local job market shows promise for athletic trainers, particularly as the field evolves following the shift to a master's degree requirement since 2022, providing new opportunities and hopes for enhanced salaries.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,777 | $24.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,182 | $26.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,525 | $31.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,497 | $32.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,934 | $36.99 |
Median Salary Position
1.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,157 (2026 est.). At $64,525, the local median is 1.36% below the national median of $65,415.
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At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be above the median
How Mankato Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Mankato median: $64,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,461 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -1.36% less |
Athletic Trainers in Mankato, MN earn a median of $64,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.10% above the Minnesota state average of $64,461.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato has a cost of living 9.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 90.955 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $64,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,942 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,781
2025 BLS Actual
$61,670
2026 Current Est.
$64,525
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,781 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,513 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $47,781 (2019) to $61,670 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,513 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,732 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $50,777 – $55,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,182 – $64,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,525 – $67,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,497 – $76,934 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Mankato
Mankato's job market consists of around 30 athletic trainers, reflecting a modest yet stable presence in the area. Those working in secondary schools typically find themselves at the lower end of the pay spectrum due to school-year contracts, while positions in colleges and occupational health settings, such as those at Toyota and FedEx, often command higher wages. With a cost-of-living index of 90.955, living expenses in Mankato are below the national average, potentially bolstering the purchasing power of athletic trainers. The variance in athletic trainer pay in Mankato can be attributed to factors like employment setting, specific roles (head athletic trainers versus assistants), and additional stipends for evening or weekend events. Certification add-ons, such as the CSCS or OCS-AT, can also influence potential earnings. To maximize compensation, aspiring athletic trainers should consider exploring industrial roles or supplementing their education with specialized credentials that enhance their marketability in Mankato's evolving job scene.
More salary data for Mankato, 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 $61,670 for athletic trainersin the Mankato 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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