Maple Grove vs Rochester: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Maple Grove, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maple Grove, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,983▲ | $107,058 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.88▲ | $51.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,917 | $86,312▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,887 | $104,246▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,867 | $134,312▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,178▲ | $134,312 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 6,390▲ |
Verdict
Maple Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Maple Grove and Rochester is $2,925 (2.73%). Maple Grove's median is +7.06% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maple Grove spans $78,261,Rochester spans $48,000. Maple Grove 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 ($117,878 effective) pays 5.57% more than Maple Grove ($111,658 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Maple Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,983/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,178)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,878)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Maple Grove grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Maple Grove, MN
$92,847 (2024) → $104,437 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$75,790 (2019) → $101,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maple Grove, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Maple Grove or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Maple Grove to Rochester as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov