Rochester vs St. Cloud: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,463 | $84,803▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.13 | $40.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,652 | $68,034▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,904▲ | $68,034 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,076▲ | $92,107 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,160 | $102,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 60 |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $1,340 (1.61%). St. Cloud's median is +6.83% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $33,508,St. Cloud spans $34,172. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($96,772 effective) pays 5.30% more than Rochester ($91,898 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)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,803/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,206)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,772)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Rochester grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$63,220 (2019) → $80,330 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$67,140 (2019) → $81,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Cloud as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Rochester vs St. Cloud?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov