Duluth vs Rochester: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $101,079 | $104,956▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.59 | $50.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,899 | $84,682▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,589 | $98,613▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,204 | $132,154▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,899 | $152,904▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $3,877 (3.84%). Rochester's median is -16.06% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $71,000,Rochester spans $68,222. Duluth 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 ($115,564 effective) pays 1.49% more than Duluth ($113,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,956/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,904)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,564)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Duluth grew 3.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$93,970 (2019) → $97,520 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$93,640 (2019) → $101,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov