Athletic Trainer Salary in Duluth, MN: $67,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time athletic trainer in Duluth, MN earns a median $67,444/year (≈ $32.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-9091). Once you factor in Duluth's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $75,978 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Athletic trainers in Duluth, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,444 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position relative to the national median of $65,415. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $50,296 at the 10th percentile to as much as $87,042 at the 90th percentile. Data reflecting these figures is based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, which highlight the ongoing shift in educational requirements due to the transition to a master's degree as the minimum for entry into the field. This change has reshaped initial compensation packages and aligns with the growing importance of advanced qualifications in ensuring high-quality athlete care in Duluth's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,296 | $24.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,155 | $30.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,444 | $32.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,554 | $32.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,042 | $41.85 |
Median Salary Position
3.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
In Duluth, MN, the athletic trainer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,746 (2026 est.). At $67,444, the local median is 3.1% above the national median of $65,415.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Duluth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Duluth Athletic Trainer Pay Compares
Duluth median: $67,444/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Duluth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,417 | +4.70% more |
| National Average | $65,415 | +3.10% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Duluth has a cost of living 11.23% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Duluth, MN has a cost-of-living index of 88.768 (below the national average of 100). A athletic trainer earning $67,444 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,978 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.65% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,130
2025 BLS Actual
$64,460
2026 Current Est.
$67,444
2019–2027 Growth
+40.8%
Salary Trajectory for Athletic Trainers in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,407 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,567 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Duluth metropolitan area, the median athletic trainer salary grew 28.6% from $50,130 (2019) to $64,460 (2025). At a 4.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,567 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,437 (40.77%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,296 – $63,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,155 – $67,444 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,444 – $68,554 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,554 – $87,042 |
AT, ATC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual athletic trainer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Athletic Trainer Job Market in Duluth
With around 50 athletic trainers employed in Duluth, the local job market demonstrates a supportive environment for professionals in this field. The cost of living index in Duluth, calculated at 88.768, suggests that salaries offer a relatively comfortable purchasing power compared to national averages. Notably, the highest-paying employers in the area are often colleges and universities offering NCAA opportunities, in addition to positions within industrial and occupational health settings such as Toyota or FedEx, which typically provide compensation at a premium. The disparities in athletic trainer pay in Duluth result from various factors, including differences in work settings, contract types, and additional responsibilities such as event coverage. For those looking to maximize their athletic trainer pay in Duluth, seeking positions within higher-paying sectors, pursuing relevant certifications, and considering roles that offer year-round contracts could be effective strategies in enhancing overall income potential.
More salary data for Duluth, 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 $64,460 for athletic trainersin the Duluth 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
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