Duluth vs St. Cloud: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer 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 | $93,132 | $93,318▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.78 | $44.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,788 | $72,528▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,001 | $80,720▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,270 | $113,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,806 | $135,515▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 120 |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $186 (0.20%). St. Cloud's median is -12.91% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $63,018,St. Cloud spans $62,987. 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, St. Cloud ($106,488 effective) pays 1.50% more than Duluth ($104,916 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 (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,318/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,515)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,488)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Duluth grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.3% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$73,990 (2019) → $90,490 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$69,560 (2019) → $90,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers 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 mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov