St. Cloud vs St. Paul: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between St. Cloud, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Cloud, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,308 | $85,909▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.19 | $41.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,179 | $49,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,274 | $61,854▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,394 | $109,963▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,978 | $133,159▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 80▲ |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between St. Cloud and St. Paul is $35,601 (70.77%). St. Paul's median is +6.86% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Cloud spans $48,799,St. Paul spans $83,331. St. Paul 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, St. Paul ($87,217 effective) pays 70.77% 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 St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,909/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,159)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,217)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in St. Cloud grew -57.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -30.2% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
St. Cloud, MN
$112,443 (2024) → $48,151 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$117,745 (2024) → $82,225 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Cloud, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: St. Cloud or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Cloud and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from St. Cloud to St. Paul as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in St. Cloud vs St. Paul?
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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