Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,504 | $69,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.97 | $33.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,379 | $60,059▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,933 | $65,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,111 | $77,637▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,110 | $81,664▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 6,300▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $2,899 (4.36%). Minneapolis's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $28,731,Minneapolis spans $21,605. Cottage Grove 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, Cottage Grove ($67,517 effective) pays 1.97% more than Minneapolis ($66,210 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,517)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,403/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,664)
- ✓Larger job market (6,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cottage Grove grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$57,357 (2024) → $62,918 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$50,580 (2019) → $65,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cottage Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis?
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