Duluth vs St. Paul: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $101,079 | $120,289▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.59 | $57.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,899▲ | $75,390 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,589 | $91,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,204 | $152,622▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,899 | $186,448▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 80 |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Paul is $19,210 (19.00%). St. Paul's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $71,000,St. Paul spans $111,058. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($122,121 effective) pays 7.25% more than Duluth ($113,869 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 (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,289/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,448)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,121)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Duluth grew 3.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$93,970 (2019) → $97,520 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$117,745 (2024) → $116,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov