Athletic Trainer Salary

Minneapolis vs Brooklyn Park: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)

Compare athletic trainer salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Brooklyn Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$68,878
$33.12/hr
Brooklyn Park, MN
$63,879
$30.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNBrooklyn Park, MN
Median Salary$68,878$63,879
Hourly Rate$33.12$30.71
Entry Level (P10)$65,760$46,786
25th Percentile$66,566$58,049
75th Percentile$78,274$75,231
Top Earner (P90)$83,516$92,575
Total Employed49017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($68,878) and Brooklyn Park ($63,879) athletic trainer salaries.MinneapolisBrooklyn ParkMedian Salary$68,878$63,879Entry Level (P10)$65,760$46,786Top Earner (P90)$83,516$92,575US Median $65,415

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for athletic trainers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brooklyn Park.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park is $4,999 (7.83%). Minneapolis's median is +5.29% compared to the US national median of $65,415.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $17,756,Brooklyn Park spans $45,789. Brooklyn Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced athletic trainers.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$65,760
P25$66,566
Median$68,878
P75$78,274
P90 (Top)$83,516
Brooklyn Park
P10 (Entry)$46,786
P25$58,049
Median$63,879
P75$75,231
P90 (Top)$92,575

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($65,709 effective) pays 1.32% more than Brooklyn Park ($64,852 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $68,878
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $65,709
Brooklyn Park
Nominal: $63,879
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $64,852

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,878/year)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,709)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Brooklyn Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($92,575)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Minneapolis grew 25.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Brooklyn Park over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+25.7%

$52,380 (2019) → $65,830 (2025)

Brooklyn Park, MN

+7.8%

$56,638 (2024) → $61,052 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays athletic trainers more: Minneapolis or Brooklyn Park?

Minneapolis has a higher median athletic trainer salary at $68,878/year, compared to Brooklyn Park at $63,879/year — a difference of $4,999 (7.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park?

Minneapolis athletic trainers earn $33.12/hr while Brooklyn Park hygienists earn $30.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park as a athletic trainer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $65,709, Brooklyn Park = $64,852), job availability (490 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Minneapolis vs Brooklyn Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) athletic trainers earn $65,760 in Minneapolis and $46,786 in Brooklyn Park. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gomez, MS, ATCData verified by David Kim, BS, ATC

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov