Plumber Salary

Minneapolis vs Duluth: Plumber Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$104,191
$50.09/hr
Duluth, MN
$87,204
$41.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$104,191$87,204
Hourly Rate$50.09$41.92
Entry Level (P10)$52,665$47,467
25th Percentile$66,935$60,764
75th Percentile$117,877$100,593
Top Earner (P90)$124,787$112,106
Total Employed6,730420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($104,191) and Duluth ($87,204) plumber salaries.MinneapolisDuluthMedian Salary$104,191$87,204Entry Level (P10)$52,665$47,467Top Earner (P90)$124,787$112,106US Median $65,408

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Duluth is $16,987 (19.48%). Minneapolis's median is +59.29% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $72,122,Duluth spans $64,639. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$52,665
P25$66,935
Median$104,191
P75$117,877
P90 (Top)$124,787
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$47,467
P25$60,764
Median$87,204
P75$100,593
P90 (Top)$112,106

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($99,398 effective) pays 1.18% more than Duluth ($98,238 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $104,191
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $99,398
Duluth
Nominal: $87,204
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $98,238

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 ($104,191/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($124,787)
  • Larger job market (6,730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,398)
  • 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, plumber salaries in Minneapolis grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+19.6%

$84,940 (2019) → $101,630 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+26.2%

$67,420 (2019) → $85,060 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Minneapolis or Duluth?

Minneapolis has a higher median plumber salary at $104,191/year, compared to Duluth at $87,204/year — a difference of $16,987 (19.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Duluth?

Minneapolis plumbers earn $50.09/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $41.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Duluth as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $99,398, Duluth = $98,238), job availability (6,730 vs 420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $52,665 in Minneapolis and $47,467 in Duluth. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

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