Austin vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Austin, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,235 | $103,862▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.23 | $49.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,546 | $74,448▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,413 | $81,673▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,506 | $133,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,031▲ | $142,286 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Rochester is $5,627 (5.73%). Rochester's median is +0.36% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $86,485,Rochester spans $67,838. Austin 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 ($114,359 effective) pays 14.67% more than Austin ($99,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,031)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,862/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,359)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Austin grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Austin, MN
$88,506 (2024) → $95,718 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Austin or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Austin to Rochester as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Austin vs Rochester?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov