Prior Lake vs Rochester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Prior Lake, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prior Lake, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,036▲ | $130,626 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.93▲ | $62.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,437▲ | $86,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,994▲ | $109,471 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,802▲ | $135,820 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,209▲ | $168,665 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Prior Lake, MN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $4,410 (3.38%). Prior Lake's median is -1.34% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $74,772,Rochester spans $81,726. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($143,828 effective) pays 4.91% more than Prior Lake ($137,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,036/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,209)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,828)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Prior Lake grew -1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$133,039 (2024) → $130,533 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$124,870 (2019) → $126,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Prior Lake or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prior Lake and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Prior Lake to Rochester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Prior Lake vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov