Duluth vs Prior Lake: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Duluth, MN and Prior Lake, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Prior Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,375▲ | $49,859 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.22▲ | $23.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,511▲ | $39,375 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,831▲ | $41,412 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,947▲ | $51,481 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,775 | $64,819▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Duluth and Prior Lake is $516 (1.03%). Duluth's median is +5.03% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $22,264,Prior Lake spans $25,444. Prior Lake has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($56,749 effective) pays 12.11% more than Prior Lake ($50,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,375/year)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,749)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,819)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Duluth grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Prior Lake over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$40,360 (2019) → $47,990 (2025)
Prior Lake, MN
$46,274 (2024) → $47,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Prior Lake, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Duluth or Prior Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Prior Lake?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Prior Lake as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Duluth vs Prior Lake?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov