Athletic Trainer Salary in Rochester, MN: $64,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Rochester, MN earns a median $64,861/year (≈ $31.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $65,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Athletic trainers in Rochester, Minnesota can expect a median annual salary of $64,861 in 2026, closely reflecting the national average of $65,415 but slightly below it at -0.85%. Compensation ranges significantly from $51,442 at the lower 10th percentile to $95,254 at the top 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions through regional price parities. The dynamics of the job market in Rochester suggest that those in traditional school settings may earn on the lower end of the spectrum, while athletic trainers in industrial environments typically secure higher salaries, highlighting the trade-off between school-year contracts and year-round industrial roles.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,442 | $24.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,996 | $27.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,861 | $31.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,274 | $38.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,254 | $45.80 |
Median Salary Position
0.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, MN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,812 (2026 est.). At $64,861, the local median is 0.85% below the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Rochester median: $64,861/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,410 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | -0.85% less |
Athletic Trainers in Rochester, MN earn a median of $64,861 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% lower than the national median of $65,415 and 0.70% above the Minnesota state average of $64,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester 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.
Rochester, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $64,861 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,849 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,030
2025 BLS Actual
$61,991
2026 Current Est.
$64,861
2019–2027 Growth
+41.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 29.1% from $48,030 (2019) to $61,991 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,834 (41.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $51,442 – $57,996 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,996 – $64,861 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,861 – $79,274 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,274 – $95,254 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Rochester
The local job market offers employment to 29 athletic trainers, indicating a stable demand in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the take-home pay for professionals here could stretch farther than in higher-cost areas. Among employers, positions in professional sports and industrial health settings, such as at Toyota, often provide the most lucrative packages, especially compared to secondary school positions. Pay discrepancies arise from various factors: head positions versus assistants, certification add-ons, and contract terms. To optimize earning potential in Rochester, athletic trainers should consider securing roles with industrial health organizations while also obtaining relevant credentials from the BOC and the NATA, positioning themselves to capitalize on the expected annual growth rate of 4.63% over the next five years.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 $61,991 for athletic trainersin the Rochester 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 Rochester 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