Duluth vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,429 | $103,862▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.76 | $49.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,857 | $74,448▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,268▲ | $81,673 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,343 | $133,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,613▲ | $142,286 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Duluth and Rochester are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $2,433 (2.40%). 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 Duluth spans $83,756,Rochester spans $67,838. Duluth 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 0.08% more than Duluth ($114,263 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,613)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,862/year)
- ✓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 Duluth grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$79,680 (2019) → $98,830 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth 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