Bloomington vs Duluth: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,173▲ | $64,403 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.78▲ | $30.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,627▲ | $52,015 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,236▲ | $56,201 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,456▲ | $68,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,516▲ | $75,206 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $3,770 (5.85%). Bloomington's median is +0.15% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $33,889,Duluth spans $23,191. Bloomington 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 4.83% more than Bloomington ($69,211 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,173/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,516)
- ✓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 Bloomington grew 14.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$56,514 (2024) → $64,497 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$46,610 (2019) → $60,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bloomington or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Duluth as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bloomington vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
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