Duluth vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,694 | $167,256▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.81 | $80.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,648 | $133,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $135,077 | $167,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,769 | $180,046▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,262 | $181,125▲ |
| Total Employed | 330 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $9,562 (6.06%). 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 Duluth spans $63,614,Rochester spans $48,023. Duluth 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 3.67% more than Duluth ($177,647 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($167,256/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,125)
- ✓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 Duluth grew 9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$142,050 (2019) → $154,860 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$144,050 (2019) → $164,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Rochester as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Duluth vs Rochester?
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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