Plumber Salary

Minneapolis vs Mankato: Plumber Salary (2026)

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

Minneapolis, MN
$104,191
$50.09/hr
Mankato, MN
$76,326
$36.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNMankato, MN
Median Salary$104,191$76,326
Hourly Rate$50.09$36.69
Entry Level (P10)$52,665$50,102
25th Percentile$66,935$62,178
75th Percentile$117,877$97,845
Top Earner (P90)$124,787$117,785
Total Employed6,730130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($104,191) and Mankato ($76,326) plumber salaries.MinneapolisMankatoMedian Salary$104,191$76,326Entry Level (P10)$52,665$50,102Top Earner (P90)$124,787$117,785US Median $65,408

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Mankato is $27,865 (36.51%). 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,Mankato spans $67,683. 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
Mankato
P10 (Entry)$50,102
P25$62,178
Median$76,326
P75$97,845
P90 (Top)$117,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($99,398 effective) pays 18.45% more than Mankato ($83,916 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $104,191
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $99,398
Mankato
Nominal: $76,326
CoL Index: 90.955
Adjusted: $83,916

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 Mankato 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 30.6% growth in Mankato over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+19.6%

$84,940 (2019) → $101,630 (2025)

Mankato, MN

+30.6%

$57,000 (2019) → $74,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Minneapolis or Mankato?

Minneapolis has a higher median plumber salary at $104,191/year, compared to Mankato at $76,326/year — a difference of $27,865 (36.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Mankato?

Minneapolis plumbers earn $50.09/hr while Mankato hygienists earn $36.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Mankato as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Mankato. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $99,398, Mankato = $83,916), job availability (6,730 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $52,665 in Minneapolis and $50,102 in Mankato. 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