Duluth vs Elk River: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Duluth, MN and Elk River, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Elk River, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $274,320▲ | $240,192 |
| Hourly Rate | $131.89▲ | $115.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $220,278▲ | $170,047 |
| 25th Percentile | $234,533▲ | $216,855 |
| 75th Percentile | $301,251▲ | $287,808 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $323,174 | $345,232▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Duluth and Elk River is $34,128 (14.21%). 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 Duluth spans $102,896,Elk River spans $175,185. Elk River has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($309,030 effective) pays 26.73% more than Elk River ($243,850 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 ($274,320/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $309,030)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($345,232)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Duluth grew 18.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Elk River over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$219,970 (2022) → $260,760 (2025)
Elk River, MN
$231,610 (2024) → $228,319 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Elk River, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Duluth or Elk River?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Elk River?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Elk River as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Duluth vs Elk River?
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