Austin vs Duluth: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Austin, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,014 | $135,189▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.54 | $65.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,248▲ | $68,547 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,170 | $99,465▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,858 | $181,141▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,421 | $258,400▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Duluth is $7,175 (5.60%). Duluth's median is -19.13% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $124,173,Duluth spans $189,853. Duluth has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($152,295 effective) pays 17.18% more than Austin ($129,963 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,189/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($258,400)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,295)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Austin grew -11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.0% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Austin, MN
$137,883 (2024) → $122,267 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$82,240 (2019) → $129,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Austin or Duluth?
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Should I relocate from Austin to Duluth as a lawyer?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov