Rochester vs Shoreview: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Rochester, MN and Shoreview, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Shoreview, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,862▲ | $98,388 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.94▲ | $47.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,448▲ | $68,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,673▲ | $76,714 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,491▲ | $123,875 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,286 | $152,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shoreview.
The salary gap between Rochester and Shoreview is $5,474 (5.56%). 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 Rochester spans $67,838,Shoreview spans $83,648. Shoreview has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($114,359 effective) pays 14.49% more than Shoreview ($99,886 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 ($103,862/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,359)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Shoreview if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,502)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Rochester grew 9.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Shoreview over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
Shoreview, MN
$88,644 (2024) → $95,867 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Shoreview, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Rochester or Shoreview?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Shoreview?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Shoreview as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Rochester vs Shoreview?
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