Duluth vs Elk River: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Duluth, MN and Elk River, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Elk River, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,095▲ | $49,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.08▲ | $24.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,055 | $42,156▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,874▲ | $42,999 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,597▲ | $52,452 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,503 | $66,977▲ |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elk River.
The salary gap between Duluth and Elk River is $96 (0.19%). 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 Duluth spans $22,448,Elk River spans $24,821. Elk River has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($56,434 effective) pays 11.18% more than Elk River ($50,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,977)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Duluth grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Elk River over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$35,760 (2019) → $47,510 (2025)
Elk River, MN
$44,392 (2024) → $47,419 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Elk River, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Duluth or Elk River?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Elk River?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Elk River as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Duluth vs Elk River?
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