Duluth vs Northfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Duluth, MN and Northfield, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Northfield, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,429▲ | $99,164 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.76▲ | $47.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,857▲ | $70,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,268▲ | $79,447 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,343▲ | $123,755 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,613▲ | $150,378 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northfield.
The salary gap between Duluth and Northfield is $2,265 (2.28%). Duluth's median is -1.99% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $83,756,Northfield spans $80,170. 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 ($114,263 effective) pays 13.50% more than Northfield ($100,674 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 ($101,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,613)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,263)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Northfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Duluth grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Northfield over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$79,680 (2019) → $98,830 (2025)
Northfield, MN
$89,343 (2024) → $96,623 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Northfield, 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