Rochester vs St. Paul: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $141,900 | $148,341▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.22 | $71.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,845▲ | $106,646 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,847▲ | $130,471 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,327▲ | $178,922 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,327 | $224,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 80 |
Verdict
St. Paul, MN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Paul is $6,441 (4.54%). St. Paul's median is +5.66% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $45,482,St. Paul spans $118,186. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($156,241 effective) pays 3.75% more than St. Paul ($150,600 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 (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,241)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($148,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,832)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Rochester grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$119,910 (2019) → $137,340 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$133,103 (2024) → $143,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Rochester vs St. Paul?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov