Apple Valley vs Rochester: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,037 | $47,878▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.17 | $23.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,947 | $35,149▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,395 | $42,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,367 | $63,356▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,257 | $132,153▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Rochester is $3,841 (8.72%). Rochester's median is -10.71% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $40,310,Rochester spans $97,004. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($52,717 effective) pays 17.91% more than Apple Valley ($44,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,878/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,153)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,717)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Apple Valley grew -33.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$64,939 (2024) → $43,386 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$56,110 (2019) → $47,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Apple Valley or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Rochester as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Apple Valley vs Rochester?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov