Minneapolis vs Mankato: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Mankato, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Mankato, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,509▲ | $102,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.42▲ | $49.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,076▲ | $79,251 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,914▲ | $79,645 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,338▲ | $130,931 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,422▲ | $162,254 |
| Total Employed | 2,410▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mankato.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Mankato is $19,486 (19.10%). 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 Minneapolis spans $89,346,Mankato spans $83,003. Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis ($115,919 effective) pays 3.34% more than Mankato ($112,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,509/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,422)
- ✓Larger job market (2,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,919)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Mankato if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Minneapolis grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Mankato over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$101,930 (2019) → $117,230 (2025)
Mankato, MN
$89,970 (2019) → $98,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Mankato, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Minneapolis or Mankato?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Mankato?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Mankato as a electrical engineer?
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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