Senior Athletic Trainer Salary in Faribault, MN: $83,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of athletic trainers working in Faribault, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,171/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-9091. Strip back Faribault's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,438 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced athletic trainers in Faribault, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,865, with top-tier professionals potentially making up to $83,171. This P90 salary indicates that experts in the field can earn significantly more than the median, highlighting a pronounced experience premium that rewards those who have honed their skills over seven or more years. To achieve such high pay, individuals should consider specializing in areas such as collegiate or professional sports, as these pathways often command higher salaries. Furthermore, building advanced credentials and gaining experience in diverse settings can help elevate a trainer’s marketability and effectiveness in attaining top athletic trainer salary in Faribault.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
Experienced athletic trainers at the top of the pay scale in Faribault earn between $72,087 and $83,171 per year (2026 est.). This $35,117 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Faribault median of $60,865 sits 6.96% below the US median.
Top AT, ATC Salary Comparison
| Level | Faribault | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,865 | $65,415 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,087 | $78,085 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,171 | $92,870 |
In Faribault, experienced athletic trainers (P90) earn 36.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Athletic Trainer Pay in Faribault
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN athletic trainers with additional specialty certifications within the athletic training field earn significantly above the $60,865 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Faribault employers.
Specialty Focus
Athletic Trainers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the athletic training field in Faribault command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,087–$83,171 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Faribault metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced athletic trainers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured athletic trainers in Faribault with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Athletic Trainers in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Athletic Trainer Career & Wage Growth Path in Faribault
Clinical Athletic Trainer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Athletic Trainer
5-10 yearsAthletic Trainer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFaribault ranks #38 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner athletic trainer salary (90th percentile: $83,171).
Top 10% athletic trainer compensation in Faribault ($83,171) is 4.75% below the Minnesota average P90 ($87,320).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,798
2025 BLS Actual
$79,491
2026 Current Est.
$83,171
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,798 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,225 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,219 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,534 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,022 | Projected |
Top-earning athletic trainers (90th percentile) in Faribault saw their compensation grow 20.8% from $65,798 in 2019 to $79,491 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $87,022 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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.
Maximizing Your Athletic Trainer Earnings in Faribault
Compensation varies widely across different employer types, affecting senior athletic trainer pay in MN. Those working with professional sports teams, for example, often earn more compared to their peers in secondary school settings. Specializations such as industrial ergonomics or military operations may also yield higher pay due to the unique skill sets required. Important leadership roles, like becoming a head athletic trainer in a college or professional team environment, not only increase salary potential but also enhance career trajectory opportunities. Pursuing a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program and obtaining BOC ATC certification are essential steps following the 2022 transition that reflect advanced training. Further, senior roles may also offer non-salary benefits like stipends for additional responsibilities during evenings or weekends, allowing for a more lucrative overall compensation package beyond base salaries.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced athletic trainers make in Faribault in 2026?
What drives higher athletic trainer pay in Faribault?
What certifications boost athletic trainer salary in Faribault?
Can experienced athletic trainers make six figures in Faribault?
How much does athletic trainer salary increase over time in Faribault?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $79,491 for athletic trainers in the Faribault metro area. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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