Chaska vs Duluth: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chaska, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chaska, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,643▲ | $101,429 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.34▲ | $48.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,951 | $72,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,342 | $82,268▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,292▲ | $127,343 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,610▲ | $156,613 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Chaska, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Chaska and Duluth is $1,214 (1.20%). Chaska's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chaska spans $86,659,Duluth spans $83,756. Chaska 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 ($114,263 effective) pays 9.65% more than Chaska ($104,206 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chaska if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,643/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,610)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,263)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Chaska grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Chaska, MN
$92,478 (2024) → $100,013 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$79,680 (2019) → $98,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chaska, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov