Cottage Grove vs Duluth: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,535 | $84,453▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68 | $40.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,703▲ | $48,058 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,399▲ | $61,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,645▲ | $98,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,930▲ | $112,342 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Duluth is $1,918 (2.32%). Duluth's median is +30.87% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $71,227,Duluth spans $64,284. Cottage Grove 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, Duluth ($95,139 effective) pays 13.54% more than Cottage Grove ($83,792 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,930)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,453/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,139)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Cottage Grove grew 6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$75,828 (2024) → $80,822 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$69,670 (2019) → $82,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov