Inver Grove Heights vs St. Cloud: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Inver Grove Heights, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Inver Grove Heights, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,522▲ | $128,150 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.68▲ | $61.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,023 | $85,873▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,510▲ | $102,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,616▲ | $156,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,510 | $208,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Inver Grove Heights and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Inver Grove Heights and St. Cloud is $6,372 (4.97%). Inver Grove Heights's median is -2.05% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Inver Grove Heights spans $130,487,St. Cloud spans $122,851. Inver Grove Heights 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 ($146,237 effective) pays 7.08% more than Inver Grove Heights ($136,571 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Inver Grove Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,522/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,724)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,237)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Inver Grove Heights grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.7% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Inver Grove Heights, MN
$119,732 (2024) → $127,437 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$86,310 (2019) → $121,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Inver Grove Heights, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Inver Grove Heights or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Inver Grove Heights and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Inver Grove Heights to St. Cloud as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Inver Grove Heights vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov