Minneapolis vs Rochester: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,194▲ | $108,550 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.83▲ | $52.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,248▲ | $86,649 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,225▲ | $103,712 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,738▲ | $110,743 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,216▲ | $121,458 |
| Total Employed | 2,590▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Rochester is $9,644 (8.88%). Minneapolis's median is +14.81% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $37,968,Rochester spans $34,809. Minneapolis 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 ($119,521 effective) pays 6.00% more than Minneapolis ($112,757 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,194/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,216)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,521)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Minneapolis grew 45.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$77,650 (2020) → $112,630 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$77,580 (2020) → $103,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Minneapolis or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Rochester as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Minneapolis vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov