Duluth vs St. Cloud: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $87,204 | $92,504▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.92 | $44.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,467 | $52,049▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,764 | $63,398▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,593 | $108,261▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,106 | $119,795▲ |
| Total Employed | 420 | 830▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $5,300 (6.08%). St. Cloud's median is +41.43% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $64,639,St. Cloud spans $67,746. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($105,560 effective) pays 7.45% more than Duluth ($98,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,504/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,795)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,560)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Duluth grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$67,420 (2019) → $85,060 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$66,080 (2019) → $90,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers 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 plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov