Bloomington vs Rochester: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Bloomington, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,497▲ | $63,379 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.25▲ | $30.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,237▲ | $47,118 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,644▲ | $51,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,646▲ | $79,858 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,120▲ | $100,032 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rochester is $14,118 (22.28%). Bloomington's median is +19.05% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $63,883,Rochester spans $52,914. Bloomington 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, Bloomington ($78,677 effective) pays 12.74% more than Rochester ($69,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,120)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,677)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Bloomington grew 26.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$59,388 (2024) → $74,869 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$46,780 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov