Cottage Grove vs Rochester: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician 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 | $50,469 | $58,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.26 | $28.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,779 | $43,772▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,377 | $50,123▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,557 | $61,042▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,404 | $78,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Rochester is $8,347 (16.54%). Rochester's median is +17.66% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $24,625,Rochester spans $34,551. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($64,760 effective) pays 26.39% more than Cottage Grove ($51,238 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 ($58,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,323)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,760)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Cottage Grove grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$40,830 (2024) → $47,838 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$35,520 (2019) → $55,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians 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 veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Cottage Grove vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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 Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov