Chanhassen vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chanhassen, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chanhassen, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,975 | $103,862▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.03 | $49.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,373 | $74,448▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,988 | $81,673▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,854 | $133,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,061▲ | $142,286 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chanhassen.
The salary gap between Chanhassen and Rochester is $1,887 (1.85%). 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 Chanhassen spans $88,688,Rochester spans $67,838. Chanhassen 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 10.46% more than Chanhassen ($103,528 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chanhassen if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,061)
- ✓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 Chanhassen grew 8.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Chanhassen, MN
$91,875 (2024) → $99,362 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chanhassen, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chanhassen or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Chanhassen to Rochester as a civil engineer?
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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