Prior Lake vs Rochester: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $45,366 | $52,984▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.81 | $25.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,820 | $38,794▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,216 | $46,720▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,087 | $52,984▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,702▲ | $59,640 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $7,618 (16.79%). Rochester's median is +12.59% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $28,882,Rochester spans $20,846. Prior Lake 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 ($58,339 effective) pays 26.67% more than Prior Lake ($46,057 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,702)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,984/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,339)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Prior Lake grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$38,562 (2024) → $42,871 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$37,620 (2021) → $50,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians 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 emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Prior Lake vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov