Blaine vs Duluth: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Blaine, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Blaine, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,439 | $79,420▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.23 | $38.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,848 | $57,144▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,196 | $65,188▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,121▲ | $96,741 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,030 | $123,707▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Blaine.
The salary gap between Blaine and Duluth is $1,981 (2.56%). Duluth's median is -7.50% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blaine spans $67,182,Duluth spans $66,563. Blaine 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 ($89,469 effective) pays 13.80% more than Blaine ($78,618 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Blaine if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,420/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,707)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,469)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Blaine grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Blaine, MN
$78,430 (2024) → $75,469 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$62,750 (2019) → $77,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Blaine, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Blaine or Duluth?
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov