Minneapolis vs Duluth: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,511▲ | $102,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.17▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,544▲ | $81,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,170▲ | $87,786 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,479▲ | $114,819 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,536▲ | $132,670 |
| Total Employed | 43,600▲ | 4,410 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Duluth is $6,423 (6.29%). Minneapolis's median is +5.63% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $53,992,Duluth spans $51,097. Minneapolis 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 11.10% more than Minneapolis ($103,519 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,511/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,536)
- ✓Larger job market (43,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓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 Minneapolis grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$84,370 (2019) → $103,040 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$64,460 (2019) → $96,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Minneapolis or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Duluth as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Minneapolis vs Duluth?
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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