Rochester vs St. Cloud: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $54,910▲ | $38,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.40▲ | $18.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,159▲ | $28,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,159▲ | $35,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,727▲ | $49,356 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,932▲ | $60,443 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $15,914 (40.81%). 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 Rochester spans $48,773,St. Cloud spans $32,128. 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 ($60,460 effective) pays 52.71% more than St. Cloud ($39,590 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 ($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
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Rochester grew 9.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -18.0% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$49,080 (2021) → $53,618 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$46,420 (2023) → $38,078 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Cloud as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Rochester vs St. Cloud?
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