Duluth vs St. Paul: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Duluth, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,403 | $68,706▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.96 | $33.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,015 | $52,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,201 | $62,313▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,092 | $81,025▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,206 | $96,581▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 80 |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Paul is $4,303 (6.68%). St. Paul's median is +0.93% 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,St. Paul spans $44,505. St. Paul 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, Duluth ($72,552 effective) pays 4.01% more than St. Paul ($69,752 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,552)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,706/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,581)
- ✓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 7.6% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$46,610 (2019) → $60,930 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$60,408 (2024) → $65,001 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Duluth or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Duluth to St. Paul as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Duluth vs St. Paul?
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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