Duluth vs Mankato: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Duluth, MN and Mankato, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Mankato, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,088 | $108,891▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.08 | $52.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,573 | $87,281▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,786 | $92,641▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,819▲ | $112,303 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,670 | $134,281▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,410▲ | 1,570 |
Verdict
Mankato, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Mankato is $6,803 (6.66%). Mankato's median is +6.00% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $51,097,Mankato spans $47,000. Duluth 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, Mankato ($119,720 effective) pays 4.10% more than Duluth ($115,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Mankato if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,891/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,281)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,720)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Duluth grew 50.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.7% growth in Mankato over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$64,460 (2019) → $96,940 (2025)
Mankato, MN
$70,490 (2019) → $103,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Mankato, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Duluth or Mankato?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov