Veterinarian Salary

Minneapolis vs Duluth: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$166,996
$80.29/hr
Duluth, MN
$133,692
$64.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$166,996$133,692
Hourly Rate$80.29$64.28
Entry Level (P10)$91,373$85,831
25th Percentile$128,720$105,001
75th Percentile$177,858$158,319
Top Earner (P90)$230,997$208,587
Total Employed1,47090
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($166,996) and Duluth ($133,692) veterinarian salaries.MinneapolisDuluthMedian Salary$166,996$133,692Entry Level (P10)$91,373$85,831Top Earner (P90)$230,997$208,587US Median $137,334

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Duluth is $33,304 (24.91%). Minneapolis's median is +21.60% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $139,624,Duluth spans $122,756. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$91,373
P25$128,720
Median$166,996
P75$177,858
P90 (Top)$230,997
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, Minneapolis ($159,314 effective) pays 5.78% more than Duluth ($150,608 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $166,996
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $159,314
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 Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($166,996/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($230,997)
  • Larger job market (1,470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,314)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Minneapolis grew 65.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 53.4% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+65.7%

$95,460 (2019) → $158,200 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+53.4%

$82,570 (2019) → $126,650 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Minneapolis or Duluth?

Minneapolis has a higher median veterinarian salary at $166,996/year, compared to Duluth at $133,692/year — a difference of $33,304 (24.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Duluth?

Minneapolis veterinarians earn $80.29/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $64.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Duluth as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $159,314, Duluth = $150,608), job availability (1,470 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $91,373 in Minneapolis and $85,831 in Duluth. The Minneapolis 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