Rochester vs St. Cloud: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $72,241▲ | $64,999 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.73▲ | $31.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,507 | $53,552▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,683 | $56,872▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,469▲ | $77,788 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,975▲ | $88,186 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $7,242 (11.14%). Rochester's median is +5.10% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $65,468,St. Cloud spans $34,634. 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, St. Cloud ($74,173 effective) pays 1.13% more than Rochester ($73,341 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 ($72,241/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,975)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,173)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Rochester grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$58,570 (2019) → $70,110 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$50,010 (2019) → $63,081 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists 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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Rochester vs St. Cloud?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov