Minnetonka vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Minnetonka, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minnetonka, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,643 | $79,593▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.81 | $38.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,921 | $63,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,983 | $67,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,663▲ | $92,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,588▲ | $99,381 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minnetonka.
The salary gap between Minnetonka and Rochester is $950 (1.21%). 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 Minnetonka spans $74,667,Rochester spans $36,205. Minnetonka 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 9.77% more than Minnetonka ($79,841 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minnetonka if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,588)
- ✓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 Minnetonka grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Minnetonka, MN
$75,913 (2024) → $76,308 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$67,000 (2019) → $77,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minnetonka, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Minnetonka or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minnetonka and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Minnetonka to Rochester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Minnetonka 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