Duluth vs Mankato: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Duluth, MN and Mankato, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Mankato, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,189 | $136,131▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.00 | $65.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,547 | $68,641▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,465▲ | $94,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,141▲ | $165,311 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $258,400▲ | $213,944 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Duluth and Mankato are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Duluth and Mankato is $942 (0.70%). Mankato's median is -18.57% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $189,853,Mankato spans $145,303. 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, Duluth ($152,295 effective) pays 1.75% more than Mankato ($149,669 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 ($258,400)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,295)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Mankato if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,131/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Duluth grew 57.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 75.3% growth in Mankato over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$82,240 (2019) → $129,120 (2025)
Mankato, MN
$74,180 (2019) → $130,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Mankato, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Duluth or Mankato?
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Related Comparisons
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