Bloomington vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,031 | $167,256▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.42 | $80.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $115,766 | $133,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $144,971 | $167,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,879▲ | $180,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,190▲ | $181,125 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rochester is $6,225 (3.87%). Rochester's median is +16.56% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $81,424,Rochester spans $48,023. Bloomington 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, Rochester ($184,160 effective) pays 12.65% more than Bloomington ($163,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,190)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,256/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $184,160)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Bloomington grew 19.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$132,186 (2024) → $158,137 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$144,050 (2019) → $164,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov