Duluth vs Woodbury: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Duluth, MN and Woodbury, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Woodbury, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,429 | $105,229▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.76 | $50.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,857▲ | $71,325 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,268 | $82,706▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,343 | $134,278▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,613 | $163,105▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Woodbury, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Woodbury is $3,800 (3.75%). Woodbury's median is +1.68% 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,Woodbury spans $91,780. Woodbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($114,263 effective) pays 6.96% more than Woodbury ($106,831 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,263)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,229/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,105)
- ✓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 Woodbury over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$79,680 (2019) → $98,830 (2025)
Woodbury, MN
$94,807 (2024) → $102,532 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Woodbury, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Duluth or Woodbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Woodbury?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Woodbury as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Duluth vs Woodbury?
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