What this means Our calculation
26 of 26 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $101,660. Prices run 11% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is higher than most metros (4.7%) and the population is growing slowly (+0.2% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Duluth Government data
All 26 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $101,660 | +5% | $114,523 | 170 | #104 |
| Construction Supervisor | $91,630 | +19% | $103,224 | 820 | #63 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $86,630 | +41% | $97,591 | 110 | #16 |
| Plumber | $85,060 | +38% | $95,823 | 420 | #32 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $83,380 | +31% | $93,930 | 460 | #10 |
| Electrician | $82,700 | +32% | $93,164 | 680 | #32 |
| Brickmason | $80,660 | +28% | $90,866 | 60 | #20 |
| Building Inspector | $79,470 | +18% | $89,526 | 50 | #60 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $79,280 | +27% | $89,311 | 50 | #22 |
| HVAC Technician | $75,710 | +27% | $85,290 | 170 | #25 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $75,040 | +26% | $84,535 | 770 | #77 |
| Roofer | $72,860 | +45% | $82,079 | 240 | #15 |
| Concrete Finisher | $70,320 | +23% | $79,218 | 150 | #30 |
| Machinist | $69,440 | +22% | $78,226 | 330 | #14 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $68,240 | +13% | $76,875 | 370 | #47 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $68,180 | +37% | $76,807 | 50 | #20 |
| Construction Laborer | $61,340 | +31% | $69,101 | 1,390 | #16 |
| Carpenter | $60,520 | +8% | $68,178 | 620 | #130 |
| Drywall Installer | $60,220 | +12% | $67,840 | 40 | #57 |
| Maintenance Technician | $58,900 | +22% | $66,353 | 1,820 | #19 |
| Hazmat Removal Worker | $58,400 | +21% | $65,789 | 40 | #22 |
| Welder | $57,410 | +10% | $64,674 | 370 | #108 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $56,430 | +9% | $63,570 | 120 | #117 |
| Auto Mechanic | $52,640 | +8% | $59,301 | 650 | #121 |
| Painter | $49,720 | +4% | $56,011 | 120 | #120 |
| Landscaper | $38,180 | +2% | $43,011 | 550 | #156 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Duluth
The Duluth area has about 144,358 homes. 68% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is older than most; 8% were built in 2010 or later. Older homes often need more repair, replacement and upgrade work. 70% of households own their home, and the median home value is $248,600.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
4.7% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Duluth area's population grew 0.2% from 2020 to 2025 (280,608 → 281,219), ranking #287 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +4,723) account for more than all of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Duluth are down 9% from 2021 to 2025 (708 → 647). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Duluth area is 21 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 8% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 74% drive alone, 2% take transit and 10% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Minnesota Official source
The main state licensing office in Minnesota is the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Minnesota licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Minnesota.