Rochester vs St. Louis Park: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,457▲ | $84,051 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56▲ | $40.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,916▲ | $55,961 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,994▲ | $67,341 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,946▲ | $97,895 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,772 | $112,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Louis Park is $2,406 (2.86%). Rochester's median is -15.05% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $35,856,St. Louis Park spans $56,823. St. Louis Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($95,195 effective) pays 11.56% more than St. Louis Park ($85,331 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 ($86,457/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,195)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,784)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Rochester grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.9% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$74,210 (2019) → $83,140 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$81,587 (2024) → $80,826 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Rochester or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Louis Park as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Rochester vs St. Louis Park?
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