Teacher Salary

Brooklyn Center vs Duluth: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Brooklyn Center, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brooklyn Center, MN
$72,392
$34.81/hr
Duluth, MN
$66,485
$31.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrooklyn Center, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$72,392$66,485
Hourly Rate$34.81$31.96
Entry Level (P10)$54,458$46,976
25th Percentile$64,654$55,822
75th Percentile$88,942$80,340
Top Earner (P90)$112,207$92,841
Total Employed71,100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brooklyn Center ($72,392) and Duluth ($66,485) elementary school teacher salaries.Brooklyn CenterDuluthMedian Salary$72,392$66,485Entry Level (P10)$54,458$46,976Top Earner (P90)$112,207$92,841US Median $64,597

Verdict

Brooklyn Center, MN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Brooklyn Center and Duluth is $5,907 (8.88%). Brooklyn Center's median is +12.07% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brooklyn Center spans $57,749,Duluth spans $45,865. Brooklyn Center has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brooklyn Center
P10 (Entry)$54,458
P25$64,654
Median$72,392
P75$88,942
P90 (Top)$112,207
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$46,976
P25$55,822
Median$66,485
P75$80,340
P90 (Top)$92,841

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($74,897 effective) pays 1.91% more than Brooklyn Center ($73,494 effective).

Brooklyn Center
Nominal: $72,392
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $73,494
Duluth
Nominal: $66,485
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $74,897

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brooklyn Center if…

  • Higher median salary ($72,392/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($112,207)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (1,100 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,897)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Brooklyn Center grew 3.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Brooklyn Center, MN

+3.2%

$69,494 (2024) → $71,689 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+-4.6%

$69,000 (2019) → $65,840 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Brooklyn Center or Duluth?

Brooklyn Center has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $72,392/year, compared to Duluth at $66,485/year — a difference of $5,907 (8.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brooklyn Center and Duluth?

Brooklyn Center elementary school teachers earn $34.81/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $31.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brooklyn Center to Duluth as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brooklyn Center and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brooklyn Center = $73,494, Duluth = $74,897), job availability (7 vs 1,100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Brooklyn Center vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $54,458 in Brooklyn Center and $46,976 in Duluth. The Brooklyn Center area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov