Duluth vs Rochester: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $66,466▲ | $51,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.96▲ | $24.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,321▲ | $29,890 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,367▲ | $37,063 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,020▲ | $65,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,297▲ | $79,076 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $15,449 (30.28%). Duluth's median is -17.32% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $60,976,Rochester spans $49,186. 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, Duluth ($74,876 effective) pays 44.57% more than Rochester ($51,794 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,297)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,876)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Duluth grew 5.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -54.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$60,060 (2022) → $63,616 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$108,200 (2022) → $48,829 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov