Minneapolis vs Rochester: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,095▲ | $86,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.68▲ | $41.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,431 | $67,916▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,183 | $82,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,132▲ | $98,946 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,042▲ | $103,772 |
| Total Employed | 2,570▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Rochester is $10,638 (12.30%). Minneapolis's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $50,611,Rochester spans $35,856. Minneapolis 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 ($95,195 effective) pays 2.77% more than Minneapolis ($92,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,042)
- ✓Larger job market (2,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,195)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Minneapolis grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$77,640 (2019) → $93,370 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$74,210 (2019) → $83,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Minneapolis or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Rochester as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Minneapolis vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov