Duluth vs Elk River: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $59,285 | $63,297▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.50 | $30.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,234 | $47,659▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,415 | $52,212▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,017 | $78,593▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,578 | $98,110▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Elk River, MN offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Elk River is $4,012 (6.77%). Elk River's median is -1.61% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $39,344,Elk River spans $50,451. Elk River has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($66,786 effective) pays 3.93% more than Elk River ($64,261 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,786)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Elk River if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,110)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Duluth grew 3.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.2% growth in Elk River over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$55,890 (2019) → $58,094 (2025)
Elk River, MN
$67,553 (2024) → $62,025 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Elk River, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors 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 school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Duluth vs Elk River?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov