Edina vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Edina, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Edina, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,568 | $167,256▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.32 | $80.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,853 | $133,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $141,467 | $167,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,953 | $180,046▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,232▲ | $181,125 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Edina.
The salary gap between Edina and Rochester is $12,688 (8.21%). 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 Edina spans $83,379,Rochester spans $48,023. Edina 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 17.36% more than Edina ($156,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Edina if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,232)
- ✓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 Edina grew 15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Edina, MN
$131,411 (2024) → $151,790 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$144,050 (2019) → $164,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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