Flight Attendant Salary

Rochester vs Shakopee: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)

Compare flight attendant salaries between Rochester, MN and Shakopee, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Rochester, MN
$63,981
$30.76/hr
Shakopee, MN
$61,561
$29.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRochester, MNShakopee, MN
Median Salary$63,981$61,561
Hourly Rate$30.76$29.59
Entry Level (P10)$37,109$37,406
25th Percentile$52,921$52,353
75th Percentile$81,896$78,798
Top Earner (P90)$99,171$95,419
Total Employed2911
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Rochester ($63,981) and Shakopee ($61,561) flight attendant salaries.RochesterShakopeeMedian Salary$63,981$61,561Entry Level (P10)$37,109$37,406Top Earner (P90)$99,171$95,419US Median $64,527

Verdict

Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shakopee.

The salary gap between Rochester and Shakopee is $2,420 (3.93%). 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 Rochester spans $62,062,Shakopee spans $58,013. Rochester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Rochester
P10 (Entry)$37,109
P25$52,921
Median$63,981
P75$81,896
P90 (Top)$99,171
Shakopee
P10 (Entry)$37,406
P25$52,353
Median$61,561
P75$78,798
P90 (Top)$95,419

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($64,955 effective) pays 3.93% more than Shakopee ($62,498 effective).

Rochester
Nominal: $63,981
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $64,955
Shakopee
Nominal: $61,561
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $62,498

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 ($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

Choose Shakopee if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Rochester grew -2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Shakopee over the same period.

Rochester, MN

+-2.2%

$64,451 (2024) → $63,042 (2025)

Shakopee, MN

+-2.2%

$62,012 (2024) → $60,657 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays flight attendants more: Rochester or Shakopee?

Rochester has a higher median flight attendant salary at $63,981/year, compared to Shakopee at $61,561/year — a difference of $2,420 (3.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Shakopee?

Rochester flight attendants earn $30.76/hr while Shakopee hygienists earn $29.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Rochester to Shakopee as a flight attendant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Rochester and Shakopee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rochester = $64,955, Shakopee = $62,498), job availability (29 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Rochester vs Shakopee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) flight attendants earn $37,109 in Rochester and $37,406 in Shakopee. The Shakopee area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

EJ

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.

Clinically reviewed by Raj Patel, AFA-CWAData verified by Maria Gomez, AFA-CWA

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