Prior Lake vs Rochester: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy 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 | $49,948 | $53,490▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.01 | $25.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,359 | $46,257▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,742 | $50,991▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,375 | $68,009▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,684 | $75,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 430▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $3,542 (7.09%). Rochester's median is +10.89% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $27,325,Rochester spans $29,027. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($58,896 effective) pays 16.15% more than Prior Lake ($50,709 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,284)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,896)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Prior Lake grew 6.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$44,346 (2024) → $47,371 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$36,570 (2019) → $50,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy 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 pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Prior Lake vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov