Duluth vs St. Cloud: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Duluth, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,692▲ | $128,150 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.28▲ | $61.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,831 | $85,873▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,001▲ | $102,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $158,319▲ | $156,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,587 | $208,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $5,542 (4.32%). Duluth's median is -2.65% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $122,756,St. Cloud spans $122,851. St. Cloud 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, Duluth ($150,608 effective) pays 2.99% more than St. Cloud ($146,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,692/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,608)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,724)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Duluth grew 53.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.7% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$82,570 (2019) → $126,650 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$86,310 (2019) → $121,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Duluth or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Duluth to St. Cloud as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
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