Richfield vs Rochester: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Richfield, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richfield, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,519 | $107,058▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.25 | $51.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,205 | $86,312▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,178 | $104,246▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,874 | $134,312▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,162▲ | $134,312 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 6,390▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richfield.
The salary gap between Richfield and Rochester is $2,539 (2.43%). Rochester's median is +4.21% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richfield spans $64,957,Rochester spans $48,000. Richfield 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 11.09% more than Richfield ($106,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,162)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,058/year)
- ✓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 Richfield grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Richfield, MN
$88,235 (2024) → $99,249 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$75,790 (2019) → $101,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richfield, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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