Rochester vs St. Louis Park: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,593▲ | $76,659 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.27▲ | $36.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,176▲ | $49,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,257▲ | $60,155 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,641 | $97,594▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,381 | $113,259▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Louis Park is $2,934 (3.83%). 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 Rochester spans $36,205,St. Louis Park spans $63,743. St. Louis Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($87,637 effective) pays 12.61% more than St. Louis Park ($77,826 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,259)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Rochester grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$67,000 (2019) → $77,230 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$73,997 (2024) → $74,383 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Rochester or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Louis Park as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Rochester vs St. Louis Park?
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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