Duluth vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,552 | $79,593▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.76 | $38.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,084 | $63,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,359▲ | $67,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,372▲ | $92,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,884▲ | $99,381 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Duluth and Rochester are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $1,041 (1.33%). 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 Duluth spans $45,800,Rochester spans $36,205. Duluth 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, Duluth ($88,491 effective) pays 0.97% more than Rochester ($87,637 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,884)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,491)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,593/year)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Duluth grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$65,100 (2019) → $76,220 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$67,000 (2019) → $77,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Rochester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Duluth 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