Bloomington vs Duluth: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,190▲ | $140,371 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.76▲ | $67.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,753 | $112,577▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $128,079 | $134,388▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $177,565▲ | $166,758 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,363▲ | $180,655 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $6,819 (4.86%). Bloomington's median is +4.84% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $94,610,Duluth spans $68,078. Bloomington 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 ($158,132 effective) pays 5.82% more than Bloomington ($149,431 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,190/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,363)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,132)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Bloomington grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$124,523 (2024) → $142,460 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$115,590 (2019) → $135,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Bloomington or Duluth?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov