Austin vs St. Cloud: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Austin, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,497 | $136,057▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.74 | $65.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,081 | $110,629▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $114,651 | $117,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $151,013▲ | $148,327 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,955 | $171,748▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 240▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and St. Cloud is $5,560 (4.26%). St. Cloud's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $64,874,St. Cloud spans $61,119. Austin 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, St. Cloud ($155,259 effective) pays 17.19% more than Austin ($132,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,057/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,748)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,259)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Austin grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Austin, MN
$128,566 (2024) → $126,145 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$119,000 (2019) → $131,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Austin or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Austin to St. Cloud as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Austin vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov