Salaries in Duluth, MN

Duluth, Minnesota, is the rare Midwestern city where your paycheck stretches farther than you'd expect, thanks to Lake Superior’s cooling effect on more than just the summer air. With a cost of living index of 87, you’re not just getting a pretty view—you’re getting a 13% discount on the national average before you even negotiate your salary.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. The median household income here is $61,163, which sounds modest until you pair it with a median one-bedroom rent of just $868 a month. That’s a ratio most coastal cities can only dream of. For a single person, the math is compelling: your take-home pay buys you a comfortable life, not just survival. It’s a bargain, honestly, especially if you’re coming from a place where rent alone devours half your check.

So who actually thrives here? Duluth’s economy isn’t built on a single industry, but on a mix of healthcare, education, and logistics. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are massive employers, as is the University of Minnesota Duluth. You’ll also find a surprising number of software developers and project managers who’ve escaped the grind of larger tech hubs, drawn by the quality of life and lower overhead. The city’s 2.8% unemployment rate proves there’s plenty of work to be had.

Here’s the catch, though: while wages look solid on paper, they’re not skyrocketing. The average salary across all roles is $66,750, and while the COL-adjusted figure bumps to $76,725, you won’t be getting Silicon Valley raises. This city works best for professionals in stable, high-demand fields like healthcare or tech, and for anyone who values a quiet life over a frantic climb. It’s less ideal for those chasing rapid career acceleration at any cost.

The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs, showing you exactly where the money is—and how far it goes once you factor in that sweet cost-of-living discount.