Duluth vs Prior Lake: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Duluth, MN and Prior Lake, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Prior Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,485 | $72,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96 | $34.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,976 | $54,174▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,822 | $64,473▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,340 | $88,680▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,841 | $112,074▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Prior Lake, MN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Prior Lake is $5,821 (8.76%). Prior Lake's median is +11.93% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $45,865,Prior Lake spans $57,900. Prior Lake has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($74,897 effective) pays 2.03% more than Prior Lake ($73,407 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 (1,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,897)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,074)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Duluth grew -4.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Prior Lake over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$69,000 (2019) → $65,840 (2025)
Prior Lake, MN
$69,412 (2024) → $71,604 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Prior Lake, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Duluth or Prior Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Prior Lake?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Prior Lake as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Duluth vs Prior Lake?
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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.
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