Austin vs Duluth: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Austin, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,281 | $78,552▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.19 | $37.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,093 | $60,084▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,437 | $70,359▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,252 | $95,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,617▲ | $105,884 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Duluth is $3,271 (4.35%). Duluth's median is +0.01% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $62,524,Duluth spans $45,800. Austin 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 ($88,491 effective) pays 15.78% more than Austin ($76,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,617)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,552/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,491)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Austin grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Austin, MN
$72,668 (2024) → $73,046 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$65,100 (2019) → $76,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Austin or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Austin to Duluth as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Austin vs Duluth?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov