Minneapolis vs St. Cloud: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,780▲ | $50,308 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.72▲ | $24.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,138▲ | $29,179 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,357▲ | $37,274 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,960▲ | $64,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,745▲ | $77,978 |
| Total Employed | 3,250▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is $36,472 (72.50%). 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 Minneapolis spans $82,607,St. Cloud spans $48,799. Minneapolis 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, Minneapolis ($82,788 effective) pays 62.09% more than St. Cloud ($51,074 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Minneapolis grew -18.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -57.2% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$102,130 (2021) → $83,059 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$112,443 (2024) → $48,151 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Minneapolis or St. Cloud?
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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