Duluth vs St. Paul: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Duluth, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,680 | $162,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.15 | $78.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,014 | $94,464▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $115,491 | $129,420▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,486 | $196,820▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,767 | $252,446▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Paul is $23,188 (16.60%). St. Paul's median is +15.83% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $120,753,St. Paul spans $157,982. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($165,348 effective) pays 16.60% more than Duluth ($141,807 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. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($162,868/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($252,446)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,348)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Duluth grew 16.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$116,930 (2023) → $135,664 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$141,294 (2024) → $158,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Duluth or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Duluth to St. Paul as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Duluth vs St. Paul?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov