Rochester vs St. Cloud: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare ultrasound 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 | $105,738▲ | $92,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.84▲ | $44.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,927▲ | $83,923 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,645▲ | $85,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,041▲ | $115,087 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,147▲ | $115,087 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $13,242 (14.32%). Rochester's median is +4.33% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $40,220,St. Cloud spans $31,164. 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 ($116,425 effective) pays 10.30% more than St. Cloud ($105,550 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 ($105,738/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,147)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,425)
- ✓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, ultrasound technologist salaries in Rochester grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$83,120 (2019) → $100,770 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$77,450 (2019) → $88,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov