Rochester vs St. Cloud: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $438,167▲ | $432,076 |
| Hourly Rate | $210.66▲ | $207.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $254,137▲ | $250,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $315,480▲ | $311,095 |
| 75th Percentile | $539,346▲ | $513,584 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $640,205▲ | $623,006 |
| Total Employed | 29▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $6,091 (1.41%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $386,068,St. Cloud spans $372,401. Rochester 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 ($444,840 effective) pays 1.41% more than St. Cloud ($438,656 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 ($438,167/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($640,205)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $444,840)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Rochester grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$396,619 (2024) → $417,302 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$391,105 (2024) → $411,501 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov