Duluth vs Rochester: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,467 | $54,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82 | $26.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,986 | $43,159▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,662 | $43,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,940 | $72,727▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,705 | $91,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $7,443 (15.68%). Rochester's median is +21.16% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $47,719,Rochester spans $48,773. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($60,460 effective) pays 13.07% more than Duluth ($53,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,910/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,932)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,460)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Duluth grew -0.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$46,420 (2021) → $46,350 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$49,080 (2021) → $53,618 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Rochester as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Duluth vs Rochester?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov