Cottage Grove vs Duluth: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,368▲ | $50,095 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.22▲ | $24.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,447▲ | $39,055 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,606 | $43,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,282 | $54,597▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,313▲ | $61,503 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Cottage Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Duluth is $273 (0.54%). Cottage Grove's median is +4.41% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $22,866,Duluth spans $22,448. Cottage Grove 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 10.36% more than Cottage Grove ($51,135 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,368/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,313)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓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 Cottage Grove grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$44,719 (2024) → $47,769 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$35,760 (2019) → $47,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Cottage Grove or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Duluth?
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Related Comparisons
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