Bloomington vs Duluth: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,527 | $141,240▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.15 | $67.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,746 | $112,792▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,441 | $129,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,463 | $166,886▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,059 | $183,520▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $5,713 (4.22%). Duluth's median is +3.20% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $71,313,Duluth spans $70,728. Bloomington 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, Duluth ($159,111 effective) pays 15.64% more than Bloomington ($137,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,240/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,520)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,111)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bloomington grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$132,186 (2024) → $131,007 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$115,730 (2019) → $136,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bloomington or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Duluth as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bloomington vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov