Rochester vs St. Paul: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist 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 | $83,463▲ | $80,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.13▲ | $38.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,652▲ | $50,746 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,904▲ | $65,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,076▲ | $93,427 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,160 | $117,663▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Paul is $3,461 (4.33%). Rochester's median is +5.14% 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. Paul spans $66,917. St. Paul 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, Rochester ($91,898 effective) pays 13.15% more than St. Paul ($81,220 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 ($83,463/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,898)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,663)
- ✓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 4.5% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$63,220 (2019) → $80,330 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$73,718 (2024) → $76,999 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists 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 dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Rochester vs St. Paul?
Related Comparisons
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