Apple Valley vs Rochester: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant 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 | $61,623 | $63,981▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.62 | $30.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,741 | $37,109▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,193 | $52,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,877 | $81,896▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,515 | $99,171▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Rochester is $2,358 (3.83%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $59,774,Rochester spans $62,062. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($64,955 effective) pays 3.83% more than Apple Valley ($62,561 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 ($63,981/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,171)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,955)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Apple Valley grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$62,074 (2024) → $60,718 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$64,451 (2024) → $63,042 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants 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 flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Apple Valley vs Rochester?
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Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% 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 Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov