Prior Lake vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $77,900 | $79,593▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.45 | $38.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,221 | $63,176▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,641 | $67,257▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,110▲ | $92,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,329▲ | $99,381 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and Rochester is $1,693 (2.17%). 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 Prior Lake spans $69,108,Rochester spans $36,205. Prior Lake 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 10.81% more than Prior Lake ($79,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,329)
- ✓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 Prior Lake grew 0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$75,196 (2024) → $75,587 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$67,000 (2019) → $77,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers 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 police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Prior Lake 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