Rochester vs St. Paul: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,862 | $106,415▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.94 | $51.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,448▲ | $70,964 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,673 | $83,687▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,491 | $136,212▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,286 | $164,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 80 |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Paul is $2,553 (2.46%). St. Paul's median is +2.82% 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,St. Paul spans $93,979. St. Paul 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 5.85% more than St. Paul ($108,036 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,359)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,415/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,943)
- ✓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 6.6% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$92,210 (2019) → $101,200 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$97,267 (2024) → $103,688 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Rochester or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Paul 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