Apple Valley vs Duluth: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,330▲ | $64,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.40▲ | $30.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,148 | $52,015▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,880▲ | $56,201 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,373▲ | $68,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,521▲ | $75,206 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Apple Valley, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Duluth is $927 (1.44%). Apple Valley's median is -4.03% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $32,373,Duluth spans $23,191. Apple Valley 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 ($72,552 effective) pays 9.39% more than Apple Valley ($66,325 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,330/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,521)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,552)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Apple Valley grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$56,344 (2024) → $61,807 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$46,610 (2019) → $60,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Apple Valley or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Duluth as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Apple Valley vs Duluth?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov