Rochester vs Winona: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $63,379▲ | $58,749 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.47▲ | $28.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,118▲ | $43,501 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,082▲ | $47,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,858▲ | $73,263 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,032▲ | $90,873 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $4,630 (7.88%). 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 Rochester spans $52,914,Winona spans $47,372. Rochester 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 ($69,785 effective) pays 17.00% more than Winona ($59,644 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 ($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
Choose Winona if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Rochester grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.9% growth in Winona over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$46,780 (2019) → $61,230 (2025)
Winona, MN
$57,875 (2024) → $56,757 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Winona, 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