Duluth vs Moorhead: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Duluth, MN and Moorhead, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Moorhead, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,189▲ | $130,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.00▲ | $62.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,547 | $75,497▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,465▲ | $93,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,141▲ | $166,614 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $258,400▲ | $201,759 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.
The salary gap between Duluth and Moorhead is $5,022 (3.86%). 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 Duluth spans $189,853,Moorhead spans $126,262. 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 15.24% more than Moorhead ($132,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Moorhead if…
- ✓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 -11.3% growth in Moorhead over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$82,240 (2019) → $129,120 (2025)
Moorhead, MN
$140,202 (2024) → $124,324 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Moorhead, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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