Duluth vs Inver Grove Heights: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Duluth, MN and Inver Grove Heights, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Inver Grove Heights, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,088 | $106,372▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.08 | $51.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,573▲ | $75,372 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,786▲ | $86,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,819 | $117,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,670 | $150,349▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,410▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Inver Grove Heights, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Inver Grove Heights is $4,284 (4.20%). Inver Grove Heights's median is +3.55% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $51,097,Inver Grove Heights spans $74,977. Inver Grove Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($115,005 effective) pays 6.49% more than Inver Grove Heights ($107,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,005)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Inver Grove Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,349)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Duluth grew 50.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Inver Grove Heights over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$64,460 (2019) → $96,940 (2025)
Inver Grove Heights, MN
$89,799 (2024) → $101,008 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Inver Grove Heights, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Duluth or Inver Grove Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Inver Grove Heights?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Inver Grove Heights as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Duluth vs Inver Grove Heights?
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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