Elk River vs Minneapolis: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Elk River, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk River, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,663 | $121,509▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.01 | $58.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,737 | $85,076▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,169 | $100,914▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,411▲ | $145,338 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,298▲ | $174,422 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,410▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Elk River and Minneapolis is $846 (0.70%). Minneapolis's median is -2.82% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk River spans $101,561,Minneapolis spans $89,346. Elk River 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, Elk River ($122,501 effective) pays 5.68% more than Minneapolis ($115,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,298)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,501)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,509/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Elk River grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Elk River, MN
$110,980 (2024) → $116,414 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$101,930 (2019) → $117,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk River, MN
Minneapolis, 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