Rochester vs St. Paul: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,878▲ | $46,633 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.02▲ | $22.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,149▲ | $28,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,640▲ | $35,093 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,356▲ | $59,690 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,153▲ | $72,281 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 80 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Paul is $1,245 (2.67%). Rochester's median is -10.71% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $97,004,St. Paul spans $43,521. 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 ($52,717 effective) pays 11.35% more than St. Paul ($47,343 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 ($47,878/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,153)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,717)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Rochester grew -15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -34.0% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$56,110 (2019) → $47,170 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$69,623 (2024) → $45,944 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Rochester or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Paul as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Rochester vs St. Paul?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov