Minnetonka vs Rochester: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Minnetonka, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minnetonka, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,974 | $167,256▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $75.94 | $80.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,075 | $133,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $148,665 | $167,256▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $184,297▲ | $180,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,931▲ | $181,125 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minnetonka.
The salary gap between Minnetonka and Rochester is $9,282 (5.88%). 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 Minnetonka spans $93,856,Rochester spans $48,023. Minnetonka 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 14.83% more than Minnetonka ($160,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minnetonka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,931)
- ✓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 Minnetonka grew 15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Minnetonka, MN
$134,307 (2024) → $155,135 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$144,050 (2019) → $164,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minnetonka, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Minnetonka or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minnetonka and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Minnetonka to Rochester as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Minnetonka vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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