Veterinarian Salary

Bloomington vs Duluth: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bloomington, MN
$164,037
$78.86/hr
Duluth, MN
$133,692
$64.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBloomington, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$164,037$133,692
Hourly Rate$78.86$64.28
Entry Level (P10)$95,543$85,831
25th Percentile$124,989$105,001
75th Percentile$209,382$158,319
Top Earner (P90)$254,257$208,587
Total Employed1890
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bloomington ($164,037) and Duluth ($133,692) veterinarian salaries.BloomingtonDuluthMedian Salary$164,037$133,692Entry Level (P10)$95,543$85,831Top Earner (P90)$254,257$208,587US Median $137,334

Verdict

Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $30,345 (22.70%). Bloomington's median is +19.44% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $158,714,Duluth spans $122,756. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bloomington
P10 (Entry)$95,543
P25$124,989
Median$164,037
P75$209,382
P90 (Top)$254,257
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$85,831
P25$105,001
Median$133,692
P75$158,319
P90 (Top)$208,587

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($166,535 effective) pays 10.57% more than Duluth ($150,608 effective).

Bloomington
Nominal: $164,037
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $166,535
Duluth
Nominal: $133,692
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $150,608

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bloomington if…

  • Higher median salary ($164,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($254,257)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $166,535)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bloomington grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.4% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Bloomington, MN

+30.8%

$118,776 (2024) → $155,397 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+53.4%

$82,570 (2019) → $126,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Bloomington or Duluth?

Bloomington has a higher median veterinarian salary at $164,037/year, compared to Duluth at $133,692/year — a difference of $30,345 (22.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Duluth?

Bloomington veterinarians earn $78.86/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $64.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bloomington to Duluth as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bloomington and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bloomington = $166,535, Duluth = $150,608), job availability (18 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bloomington vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $95,543 in Bloomington and $85,831 in Duluth. The Bloomington area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov