Rochester vs St. Cloud: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $167,256▲ | $150,230 |
| Hourly Rate | $80.42▲ | $72.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $133,102▲ | $99,946 |
| 25th Percentile | $167,256▲ | $133,448 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,046▲ | $173,304 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,125 | $184,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $17,026 (11.33%). 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 Rochester spans $48,023,St. Cloud spans $84,427. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($184,160 effective) pays 7.42% more than St. Cloud ($171,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,373)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Rochester grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$144,050 (2019) → $164,250 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$138,720 (2019) → $147,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Cloud as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Rochester vs St. Cloud?
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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