Bloomington vs Rochester: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $103,111▲ | $102,603 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57▲ | $49.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,875 | $82,040▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,608 | $97,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,529▲ | $105,452 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,372▲ | $130,964 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rochester is $508 (0.50%). Bloomington's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $55,497,Rochester spans $48,924. 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, Rochester ($112,973 effective) pays 7.92% more than Bloomington ($104,681 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 ($103,111/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,372)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,973)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bloomington grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$88,124 (2024) → $100,635 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$86,390 (2019) → $100,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bloomington or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Rochester as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bloomington vs Rochester?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov