Duluth vs St. Cloud: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $50,375▲ | $50,123 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.22▲ | $24.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,511 | $40,015▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,831 | $43,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,947 | $53,262▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,775▲ | $60,746 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 330 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $252 (0.50%). 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,St. Cloud spans $20,731. Duluth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($57,197 effective) pays 0.79% more than Duluth ($56,749 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,775)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,197)
- ✓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 25.3% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$40,360 (2019) → $47,990 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$38,120 (2019) → $47,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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