St. Cloud vs St. Louis Park: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between St. Cloud, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Cloud, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,428▲ | $64,900 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $31.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,406▲ | $51,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,431 | $60,032▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,132 | $76,226▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,501▲ | $82,356 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 9 |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between St. Cloud and St. Louis Park is $528 (0.81%). St. Cloud's median is -3.88% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Cloud spans $33,095,St. Louis Park spans $30,470. St. Cloud 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, St. Cloud ($74,662 effective) pays 13.32% more than St. Louis Park ($65,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,428/year)
- ✓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
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in St. Cloud grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
St. Cloud, MN
$46,790 (2019) → $61,900 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$55,972 (2024) → $61,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Cloud, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: St. Cloud or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Cloud and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from St. Cloud to St. Louis Park as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in St. Cloud vs St. Louis Park?
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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