Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,019 | $86,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.05 | $41.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,011 | $48,138▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,013 | $63,357▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,024 | $108,960▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,529 | $130,745▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,250▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $36,761 (73.49%). Minneapolis's median is +7.94% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $48,518,Minneapolis spans $82,607. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($82,788 effective) pays 63.03% more than Cottage Grove ($50,781 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,745)
- ✓Larger job market (3,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,788)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Cottage Grove grew -57.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.7% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$111,797 (2024) → $47,874 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$102,130 (2021) → $83,059 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Cottage Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as a data analyst?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov