Blaine vs Duluth: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Blaine, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaine, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $238,057 | $274,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.45 | $131.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $159,305 | $220,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $208,548 | $234,533▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $295,570 | $301,251▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $338,844▲ | $323,174 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Blaine.
The salary gap between Blaine and Duluth is $36,263 (15.23%). Duluth's median is +10.22% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $179,539,Duluth spans $102,896. Blaine 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 ($309,030 effective) pays 27.87% more than Blaine ($241,682 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blaine if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($338,844)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($274,320/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $309,030)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Blaine grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.5% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Blaine, MN
$229,552 (2024) → $226,290 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$219,970 (2022) → $260,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blaine, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Blaine or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Blaine and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Blaine to Duluth as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Blaine vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov