Owatonna vs St. Cloud: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Owatonna, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Owatonna, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,357▲ | $124,446 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.60▲ | $59.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,927▲ | $71,615 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,738▲ | $93,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,977▲ | $169,258 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,254 | $222,058▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Owatonna and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Owatonna and St. Cloud is $9,911 (7.96%). Owatonna's median is -19.63% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Owatonna spans $130,327,St. Cloud spans $150,443. St. Cloud 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, St. Cloud ($142,010 effective) pays 4.11% more than Owatonna ($136,403 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Owatonna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,357/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($222,058)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,010)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Owatonna grew -11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Owatonna, MN
$144,716 (2024) → $128,326 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$97,900 (2019) → $118,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Owatonna, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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