Blaine vs Duluth: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Blaine, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaine, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,368▲ | $102,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.65▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,834 | $81,573▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,006 | $87,786▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,086▲ | $114,819 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,264▲ | $132,670 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 4,410▲ |
Verdict
Blaine, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Blaine and Duluth is $3,280 (3.21%). Blaine's median is +2.57% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $71,430,Duluth spans $51,097. Blaine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($115,005 effective) pays 7.51% more than Blaine ($106,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blaine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,368/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,264)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,005)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Blaine grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Blaine, MN
$88,951 (2024) → $100,055 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$64,460 (2019) → $96,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blaine, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov