Cottage Grove vs Rochester: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,970 | $62,789▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.79 | $30.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,104 | $50,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,906 | $57,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,414▲ | $63,132 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,401▲ | $75,237 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Rochester is $819 (1.32%). Rochester's median is +12.33% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $38,297,Rochester spans $24,750. Cottage Grove 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 ($69,135 effective) pays 9.89% more than Cottage Grove ($62,914 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,401)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,789/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,135)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Cottage Grove grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$56,385 (2024) → $59,592 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$41,070 (2019) → $60,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Cottage Grove or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Rochester as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Cottage Grove vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov