Apple Valley vs Rochester: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter 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 | $71,422 | $74,156▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.34 | $35.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,304 | $45,081▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,050 | $56,067▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,420 | $94,920▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,703 | $114,942▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 29▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Rochester is $2,734 (3.83%). Rochester's median is -0.85% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $68,399,Rochester spans $69,861. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($75,285 effective) pays 3.83% more than Apple Valley ($72,510 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 ($74,156/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,942)
- ✓Larger job market (29 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,285)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Apple Valley grew 11.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$62,074 (2024) → $69,160 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$64,451 (2024) → $71,808 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters 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 court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Apple Valley vs Rochester?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov