Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $32.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a athletic trainer working in Duluth, MN runs $32.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,466 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Duluth, Minnesota, the athletic trainer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $32.42 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate reflects the important role that athletic trainers play in various high-pressure environments such as high school training rooms, college athletic facilities, and professional sports team training rooms. For part-time trainers working three days a week, this rate translates into approximately $620 weekly, allowing them a steady income while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level positions may start at around $24.18 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $41.85 as they advance in their careers. These figures, sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data based on 2025 projections, highlight the variety of opportunities available in the athletic training profession in Duluth.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.18 | $193.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.36 | $242.91 |
| Median (P50) | $32.42 | $259.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.96 | $263.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.85 | $334.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $32.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.42/hr, a athletic trainer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $67,444 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,910. With a cost-of-living index of 88.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.99 | $5,620 | $67,444 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.20 | $3,372 | $40,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.80 | $2,248 | $26,977 |
Compare AT, ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer (Duluth) | $32.42 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Athletic Trainers in Duluth, MN earn a median of $67,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% higher than the national median of $65,415 and 4.70% above the Minnesota state average of $64,417.
Athletic Trainer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.42/hr = $40,466/year (purchasing power: $45,586).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,444/year (purchasing power: $75,977).
CoL index: 88.768 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for athletic trainers in Duluth grew 28.6% from $24.10/hr (2019) to $30.99/hr (2025). At a 4.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.93/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem athletic trainers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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.
Working as an Hourly Athletic Trainer in Duluth
Exploring part-time opportunities further, a three-day workweek yields an annual take-home of $32,380 for these trainers, significantly lower than what full-time professionals earn. For those considering per diem roles, such as game coverage, compensation can range dramatically from $200 to $500 per event, creating potential for significant income if work is consistently available. Industrial settings, like major corporations or healthcare facilities, may offer billing rates for contractors that lie between $50 to $80 per hour, often exceeding pay in traditional sports-centric environments. The choice of employer can significantly impact hourly earnings, as positions in secondary schools, universities, or outpatient clinics vary in pay structure and benefits. While some trainers may opt for lower hourly rates that provide health insurance, others might prefer the higher pay of positions without benefits. Understanding the local job market and employing smart negotiation tactics can enhance overall compensation for athletic trainers in Duluth, MN.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for athletic trainers in Duluth in 2026?
How much do part-time athletic trainers make in Duluth?
Are athletic trainers in Duluth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time athletic trainer make per year in Duluth?
Do athletic trainers earn more per hour working part-time in Duluth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for athletic trainers in Duluth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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