Prior Lake vs St. Paul: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Prior Lake, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prior Lake, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,539▲ | $120,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.95▲ | $57.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,002▲ | $75,390 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,251 | $91,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,202 | $152,622▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,565 | $186,448▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Prior Lake and St. Paul are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and St. Paul is $250 (0.21%). Prior Lake's median is -3.59% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $107,563,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, Prior Lake ($122,375 effective) pays 0.21% more than St. Paul ($122,121 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,539/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,375)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,448)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Prior Lake grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$110,866 (2024) → $116,294 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$117,745 (2024) → $116,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Prior Lake or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prior Lake and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Prior Lake to St. Paul as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Prior Lake vs St. Paul?
Related Comparisons
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