Fridley vs Rochester: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Fridley, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fridley, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,798 | $63,379▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.27 | $30.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,367 | $47,118▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,704 | $51,082▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,646 | $79,858▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,136 | $100,032▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fridley.
The salary gap between Fridley and Rochester is $4,581 (7.79%). Rochester's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fridley spans $47,769,Rochester spans $52,914. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($69,785 effective) pays 16.90% more than Fridley ($59,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fridley if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,379/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,032)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,785)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Fridley grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Fridley, MN
$57,923 (2024) → $56,804 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$46,780 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fridley, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Fridley or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fridley and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Fridley to Rochester as a paralegal?
What do entry-level paralegals earn in Fridley vs Rochester?
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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