Moorhead vs Rochester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Moorhead, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moorhead, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,112 | $99,935▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.21 | $48.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,392 | $79,465▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,325 | $84,353▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,060 | $133,631▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,974▲ | $144,510 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.
The salary gap between Moorhead and Rochester is $3,823 (3.98%). Rochester's median is -6.73% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moorhead spans $75,582,Rochester spans $65,045. Moorhead 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 ($110,035 effective) pays 12.77% more than Moorhead ($97,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Moorhead if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,974)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,935/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,035)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Moorhead grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Moorhead, MN
$96,626 (2024) → $93,385 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$73,100 (2019) → $97,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Moorhead, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Moorhead or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Moorhead to Rochester as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Moorhead vs Rochester?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov