Duluth vs St. Cloud: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $85,272 | $88,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.99 | $42.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,200▲ | $64,068 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,753▲ | $74,623 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,376 | $107,390▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,028 | $113,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 130 |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and St. Cloud is $3,161 (3.71%). St. Cloud's median is -13.11% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $33,828,St. Cloud spans $49,791. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($100,914 effective) pays 5.05% more than Duluth ($96,062 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,433/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,859)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,914)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Duluth grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$71,440 (2019) → $82,000 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$77,960 (2019) → $85,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists 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 speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Duluth vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov