Inver Grove Heights vs St. Cloud: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Inver Grove Heights, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Inver Grove Heights, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,177 | $79,748▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59 | $38.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,392 | $54,814▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,825 | $65,927▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,971▲ | $98,372 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,173 | $128,057▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 800▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Inver Grove Heights.
The salary gap between Inver Grove Heights and St. Cloud is $1,571 (2.01%). St. Cloud's median is -7.12% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Inver Grove Heights spans $68,781,St. Cloud spans $73,243. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($91,003 effective) pays 14.66% more than Inver Grove Heights ($79,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Inver Grove Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,748/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,057)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,003)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Inver Grove Heights grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Inver Grove Heights, MN
$79,177 (2024) → $76,188 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$64,350 (2019) → $77,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Inver Grove Heights, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays accountants more: Inver Grove Heights or St. Cloud?
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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