Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,504▲ | $65,428 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.97▲ | $31.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,379 | $52,406▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,933▲ | $53,431 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,111▲ | $70,132 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,110 | $85,501▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud is $1,076 (1.64%). Cottage Grove's median is -2.30% 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,St. Cloud spans $33,095. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($74,662 effective) pays 10.58% more than Cottage Grove ($67,517 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,504/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,501)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,662)
- ✓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 32.3% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$57,357 (2024) → $62,918 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$46,790 (2019) → $61,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cottage Grove or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to St. Cloud as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cottage Grove vs St. Cloud?
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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