MLB average salary increases 3.8 percent to $3.2 million

NEW YORK Baseball's average salary increased 3.8 percent this year to a record $3.2 million.

According to final figures released Friday by the Major League Baseball Players Association, the rise was the steepest since 2007. The boost was helped by an increase in the minimum salary from $414,000 to $480,000.

The New York Yankees had the highest average for the 14th consecutive season at $6.88 million, rising after consecutive declines from a peak of $7.66 million when they won the World Series in 2009. Alex Rodriguez tops the high-priced team with a $30 million salary.

The Los Angeles Dodgers rose from 13th to second at $5.55 million and Texas from 15th to fifth at $4.89 million.

At nearly $685,000 Houston had the lowest average since the 2006 Florida Marlins.

BC-BBO--Average Salary, List,0283

Average Baseball Salary By Year

Average baseball salary as compiled by the Major League Baseball Players Association and the minimum salary. For 1979-2000, salary deferrals without interest are discounted at 9 percent per year. For 1987-2000, signing bonuses are increased at 9 percent per year. Starting in 2001, salary deferrals, buyouts and bonuses have been increased or discounted to the prime rate in effect on the Nov. 1 following the season plus 1 percent:

Year Minimum ' Average

1967 $6,000 $19,000

1968 10,000 NA

1969 10,000 24,909

1970 12,000 29,303

1971 12,750 31,543

1972 13,500 34,092

1973 15,000 36,566

1974 15,000 40,839

1975 16,000 44,676

1976 19,000 51,501

1977 19,000 76,066

1978 21,000 99,876

1979 21,000 113,558

1980 30,000 143,756

1981 32,500 185,651

1982 33,500 241,497

1983 35,000 289,194

1984 40,000 329,408

1985 60,000 371,571

1986 60,000 412,520

1987 62,500 412,454

1988 62,500 438,729

1989 68,000 497,254

1990 100,000 597,537

1991 100,000 851,492

1992 109,000 1,028,667

1993 109,000 1,076,089

1994 109,000 1,168,263

1995 109,000 1,110,766

1996 122,667 1,119,981

1997 150,000 1,336,609

1998 170,000 1,398,831

1999 200,000 1,611,166

2000 200,000 1,895,630

2001 200,000 2,138,896

2002 200,000 2,295,649

2003 300,000 2,372,189

2004 300,000 2,313,535

2005 316,000 2,476,589

2006 327,000 2,699,292

2007 380,000 2,824,751

2008 390,000 2,925,679

2009 400,000 2,996,106

2010 400,000 3,014,572

2011 414,000 3,095,183

2012 480,000 3,213,479