Rochester vs Winona: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $52,307▲ | $48,277 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.15▲ | $23.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,276▲ | $39,609 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,514▲ | $41,157 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,106▲ | $50,839 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,664▲ | $59,885 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winona.
The salary gap between Rochester and Winona is $4,030 (8.35%). 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 Rochester spans $15,388,Winona spans $20,276. Winona has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($57,594 effective) pays 17.51% more than Winona ($49,012 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 ($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
Choose Winona if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Rochester grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Winona over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$44,090 (2019) → $49,830 (2025)
Winona, MN
$44,807 (2024) → $45,991 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Winona, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Rochester or Winona?
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Should I relocate from Rochester to Winona as a medical assistant?
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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