Paralegal Salary

Minneapolis vs Duluth: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$78,895
$37.93/hr
Duluth, MN
$59,818
$28.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$78,895$59,818
Hourly Rate$37.93$28.76
Entry Level (P10)$50,958$47,211
25th Percentile$62,427$48,908
75th Percentile$90,002$75,542
Top Earner (P90)$108,913$83,491
Total Employed5,990180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($78,895) and Duluth ($59,818) paralegal salaries.MinneapolisDuluthMedian Salary$78,895$59,818Entry Level (P10)$50,958$47,211Top Earner (P90)$108,913$83,491US Median $65,097

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Duluth is $19,077 (31.89%). Minneapolis's median is +21.20% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $57,955,Duluth spans $36,280. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$50,958
P25$62,427
Median$78,895
P75$90,002
P90 (Top)$108,913
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$47,211
P25$48,908
Median$59,818
P75$75,542
P90 (Top)$83,491

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($75,266 effective) pays 11.69% more than Duluth ($67,387 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $78,895
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $75,266
Duluth
Nominal: $59,818
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $67,387

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,895/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($108,913)
  • Larger job market (5,990 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,266)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Minneapolis grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+31.2%

$58,090 (2019) → $76,220 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+25.7%

$45,960 (2019) → $57,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Minneapolis or Duluth?

Minneapolis has a higher median paralegal salary at $78,895/year, compared to Duluth at $59,818/year — a difference of $19,077 (31.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Duluth?

Minneapolis paralegals earn $37.93/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $28.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Duluth as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $75,266, Duluth = $67,387), job availability (5,990 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Minneapolis vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $50,958 in Minneapolis and $47,211 in Duluth. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

Written by Jessica Tran, JD

Career Analyst

Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov