Duluth vs Rochester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,403 | $67,384▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.96 | $32.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,015 | $56,201▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,201 | $66,073▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,092 | $74,962▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,206 | $78,556▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 570 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $2,981 (4.63%). Rochester's median is -1.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $23,191,Rochester spans $22,355. Duluth 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, Rochester ($74,194 effective) pays 2.26% more than Duluth ($72,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,384/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,556)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,194)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Duluth grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$46,610 (2019) → $60,930 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$49,230 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Rochester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Duluth vs Rochester?
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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