Cottage Grove vs Duluth: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,803▲ | $47,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.46▲ | $22.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,984▲ | $38,532 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,006▲ | $40,534 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,813▲ | $50,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,413▲ | $51,929 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,610▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Duluth is $1,677 (3.56%). Cottage Grove's median is +8.43% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $16,429,Duluth spans $13,397. Cottage Grove 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 ($53,089 effective) pays 7.15% more than Cottage Grove ($49,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,803/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,413)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,089)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Cottage Grove grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$38,886 (2024) → $45,824 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$33,880 (2019) → $44,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Cottage Grove or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Duluth as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Cottage Grove vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov