Cottage Grove vs Rochester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $50,277 | $52,307▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.17 | $25.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,462 | $48,276▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,279 | $49,514▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,380 | $60,106▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,438 | $63,664▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Rochester is $2,030 (4.04%). Rochester's median is +9.06% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $20,976,Rochester spans $15,388. 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 ($57,594 effective) pays 12.83% more than Cottage Grove ($51,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,307/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,664)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,594)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Cottage Grove grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$46,663 (2024) → $47,897 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$44,090 (2019) → $49,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants 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 medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Cottage Grove vs Rochester?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov