Duluth vs Owatonna: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Duluth, MN and Owatonna, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Owatonna, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,371 | $140,863▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.49 | $67.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,577▲ | $102,131 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,388▲ | $122,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,758▲ | $166,047 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,655 | $187,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Owatonna, MN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Owatonna is $492 (0.35%). Owatonna's median is +0.34% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $68,078,Owatonna spans $85,242. Owatonna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($158,132 effective) pays 10.58% more than Owatonna ($143,008 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $158,132)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Owatonna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,863/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($187,373)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Duluth grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Owatonna over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$115,590 (2019) → $135,860 (2025)
Owatonna, MN
$127,115 (2024) → $136,337 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Owatonna, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Duluth or Owatonna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Owatonna?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Owatonna as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Duluth vs Owatonna?
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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