Brooklyn Park vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Brooklyn Park, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brooklyn Park, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,908 | $79,593▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.94 | $38.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,177 | $63,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,514 | $67,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,794▲ | $92,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,524▲ | $99,381 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brooklyn Park.
The salary gap between Brooklyn Park and Rochester is $685 (0.87%). Rochester's median is +1.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brooklyn Park spans $75,347,Rochester spans $36,205. Brooklyn Park 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 ($87,637 effective) pays 9.40% more than Brooklyn Park ($80,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brooklyn Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,524)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,593/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,637)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Brooklyn Park grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Brooklyn Park, MN
$76,168 (2024) → $76,565 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$67,000 (2019) → $77,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brooklyn Park, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Brooklyn Park or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brooklyn Park and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Brooklyn Park to Rochester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Brooklyn Park vs Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov