Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $44,828 | $47,106▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.55 | $22.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,455 | $36,763▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,870 | $43,929▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,380 | $63,001▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,484 | $109,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,980▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $2,278 (5.08%). Minneapolis's median is -12.15% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $41,029,Minneapolis spans $72,898. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cottage Grove ($45,511 effective) pays 1.27% more than Minneapolis ($44,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,511)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,106/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,661)
- ✓Larger job market (1,980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cottage Grove grew -33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$66,106 (2024) → $44,166 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$38,850 (2019) → $46,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov