Duluth vs St. Cloud: Phlebotomist Salary (2026)
Compare phlebotomist salaries between Duluth, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,036 | $46,279▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.21 | $22.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,760 | $38,933▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,546 | $41,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,424▲ | $48,724 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,590▲ | $49,591 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Duluth and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall phlebotomist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $4,243 (10.09%). St. Cloud's median is -2.08% compared to the US national median of $47,261.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $15,830,St. Cloud spans $10,658. Duluth 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, St. Cloud ($52,811 effective) pays 11.52% more than Duluth ($47,355 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,590)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,279/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,811)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, phlebotomist salaries in Duluth grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$33,600 (2019) → $40,230 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$37,190 (2023) → $44,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays phlebotomists more: Duluth or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Duluth to St. Cloud as a phlebotomist?
What do entry-level phlebotomists earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MLT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory technology. She specializes in blood collection and processing. She works in a large urban hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.49% 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 Aisha Patel, MLT, a licensed phlebotomist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov