Teacher Salary

Blaine vs Minneapolis: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Blaine, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Blaine, MN
$71,737
$34.48/hr
Minneapolis, MN
$80,511
$38.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlaine, MNMinneapolis, MN
Median Salary$71,737$80,511
Hourly Rate$34.48$38.71
Entry Level (P10)$54,715$49,975
25th Percentile$64,879$61,254
75th Percentile$91,157$99,718
Top Earner (P90)$111,193$102,202
Total Employed1816,990
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blaine ($71,737) and Minneapolis ($80,511) elementary school teacher salaries.BlaineMinneapolisMedian Salary$71,737$80,511Entry Level (P10)$54,715$49,975Top Earner (P90)$111,193$102,202US Median $64,597

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Blaine.

The salary gap between Blaine and Minneapolis is $8,774 (12.23%). Minneapolis's median is +24.64% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $56,478,Minneapolis spans $52,227. Blaine has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Blaine
P10 (Entry)$54,715
P25$64,879
Median$71,737
P75$91,157
P90 (Top)$111,193
Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$49,975
P25$61,254
Median$80,511
P75$99,718
P90 (Top)$102,202

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($76,807 effective) pays 5.46% more than Blaine ($72,829 effective).

Blaine
Nominal: $71,737
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $72,829
Minneapolis
Nominal: $80,511
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $76,807

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Blaine if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($111,193)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,511/year)
  • Larger job market (16,990 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,807)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Blaine grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.

Blaine, MN

+3.2%

$68,866 (2024) → $71,041 (2025)

Minneapolis, MN

+22.1%

$65,300 (2019) → $79,730 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Blaine or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $80,511/year, compared to Blaine at $71,737/year — a difference of $8,774 (12.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blaine and Minneapolis?

Blaine elementary school teachers earn $34.48/hr while Minneapolis hygienists earn $38.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Blaine to Minneapolis as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blaine and Minneapolis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blaine = $72,829, Minneapolis = $76,807), job availability (18 vs 16,990 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Blaine vs Minneapolis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $54,715 in Blaine and $49,975 in Minneapolis. The Blaine area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov