Duluth vs Elk River: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Duluth, MN and Elk River, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Elk River, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,694▲ | $156,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.81▲ | $75.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,648 | $118,721▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,077 | $148,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,769 | $172,949▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,262 | $194,985▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Duluth and Elk River is $1,050 (0.67%). Duluth's median is +9.90% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $63,614,Elk River spans $76,264. Elk River has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($177,647 effective) pays 11.71% more than Elk River ($159,029 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 ($157,694/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,647)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,985)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Duluth grew 9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.5% growth in Elk River over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$142,050 (2019) → $154,860 (2025)
Elk River, MN
$133,176 (2024) → $153,829 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Elk River, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Duluth or Elk River?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov