Rochester vs St. Paul: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $98,424 | $105,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.32 | $50.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,878 | $61,335▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,963 | $76,140▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $209,472▲ | $135,360 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,489▲ | $163,913 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Rochester and St. Paul are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Paul is $7,326 (7.44%). St. Paul's median is -2.57% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $258,611,St. Paul spans $102,578. 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 ($108,371 effective) pays 0.94% more than St. Paul ($107,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,489)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,371)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,750/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Rochester grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.4% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$77,860 (2019) → $95,280 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$110,578 (2024) → $102,372 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors 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 financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Rochester vs St. Paul?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov