Duluth vs Prior Lake: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Duluth, MN and Prior Lake, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Prior Lake, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,552▲ | $77,900 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.76▲ | $37.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,084▲ | $48,221 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,359▲ | $59,641 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,372 | $96,110▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,884 | $117,329▲ |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Duluth and Prior Lake is $652 (0.84%). 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 Duluth spans $45,800,Prior Lake spans $69,108. Prior Lake has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($88,491 effective) pays 11.89% more than Prior Lake ($79,086 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 ($78,552/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,491)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,329)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Duluth grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in Prior Lake over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$65,100 (2019) → $76,220 (2025)
Prior Lake, MN
$75,196 (2024) → $75,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Prior Lake, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Duluth or Prior Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Prior Lake?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Prior Lake as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Duluth vs Prior Lake?
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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