Athletic Trainer Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $63,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $63,063/year (≈ $30.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $64,023 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual compensation for athletic trainers in Prior Lake, MN is projected to be $63,063. This figure reflects a salary range that spans from $48,608 at the 10th percentile to $89,423 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy disparity based on experience and working environment. Derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, this information accounts for local economic conditions and the cost of living, which currently sit slightly below the national average. Since the transition to requiring a master’s degree in athletic training took effect in 2022, entry-level salaries have been reshaped, potentially resulting in a more competitive market for those entering the profession in Prior Lake.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,608 | $23.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,929 | $26.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,063 | $30.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,402 | $34.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,423 | $42.99 |
Median Salary Position
3.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,815 (2026 est.). At $63,063, the local median is 3.6% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prior Lake Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $63,063/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,415 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $65,415 | -3.60% less |
Athletic Trainers in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $63,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.60% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $64,415.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $63,063 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,023 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,698
2025 BLS Actual
$60,272
2026 Current Est.
$63,063
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,679 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,915 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,982 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $46,698 (2019) to $60,272 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,982 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,284 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $48,608 – $54,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,929 – $63,063 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,063 – $72,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,402 – $89,423 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Prior Lake
Currently, there are seven athletic trainers employed within the city, highlighting a relatively modest market for this specialized profession. The cost-of-living index for Prior Lake, at 98.5, reflects an affordability that can enhance the purchasing power of athletic trainer salaries compared to larger urban areas. Among local employers, secondary schools and colleges (including NCAA institutions) represent key sectors, although career paths within industrial and occupational health settings tend to offer higher compensation. The variance in pay is influenced by multiple factors, such as the differing demands of professional sports, the nature of contracts—year-round versus school-year—and the additional responsibilities that accompany a head athletic trainer role as opposed to an assistant. For those within the Prior Lake market, enhancing qualifications through additional certifications or seeking positions in higher-paying sectors may prove beneficial in maximizing earning potential.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do athletic trainers make in Prior Lake, MN in 2026?
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Can athletic trainers make $100K in Prior Lake?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted athletic trainer salary in Prior Lake?
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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 $60,272 for athletic trainersin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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