Eagan vs St. Cloud: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Eagan, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eagan, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,502▲ | $128,150 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.67▲ | $61.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,149 | $85,873▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,682▲ | $102,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,163▲ | $156,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,479 | $208,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Eagan and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Eagan and St. Cloud is $6,352 (4.96%). Eagan's median is -2.06% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eagan spans $128,330,St. Cloud spans $122,851. Eagan 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, St. Cloud ($146,237 effective) pays 7.09% more than Eagan ($136,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eagan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,502/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,724)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,237)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Eagan grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.7% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Eagan, MN
$119,714 (2024) → $127,418 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$86,310 (2019) → $121,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Eagan or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eagan and St. Cloud?
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What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Eagan vs St. Cloud?
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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