Cottage Grove vs St. Paul: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,438 | $165,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.11 | $79.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,554 | $95,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,349 | $127,949▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,844 | $211,270▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,928 | $256,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and St. Paul is $29,882 (22.06%). St. Paul's median is +20.38% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $131,374,St. Paul spans $160,361. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($167,838 effective) pays 22.06% more than Cottage Grove ($137,501 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($256,246)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,838)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Cottage Grove grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$120,547 (2024) → $128,304 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$126,959 (2024) → $156,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Cottage Grove or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to St. Paul as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Cottage Grove vs St. Paul?
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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.
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