Rochester vs Winona: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Rochester, MN and Winona, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Winona, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,935▲ | $94,708 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.04▲ | $45.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,465▲ | $70,059 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,353▲ | $77,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,631▲ | $118,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,510▲ | $143,243 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $5,227 (5.52%). 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 Rochester spans $65,045,Winona spans $73,184. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($110,035 effective) pays 14.44% more than Winona ($96,150 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 ($99,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,510)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,035)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Winona if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Rochester grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Winona over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$73,100 (2019) → $97,100 (2025)
Winona, MN
$95,214 (2024) → $92,021 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Rochester or Winona?
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Should I relocate from Rochester to Winona as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Rochester vs Winona?
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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