Apple Valley vs Duluth: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,478 | $50,095▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.79 | $24.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,478▲ | $39,055 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,955 | $43,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,006▲ | $54,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,163▲ | $61,503 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Duluth is $617 (1.25%). Duluth's median is +3.85% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $25,685,Duluth spans $22,448. Apple Valley 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 ($56,434 effective) pays 12.35% more than Apple Valley ($50,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,163)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,095/year)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,434)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Apple Valley grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$43,929 (2024) → $46,925 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$35,760 (2019) → $47,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Apple Valley or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Duluth as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Apple Valley vs Duluth?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov