Akron vs Cleveland: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Akron, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,934 | $82,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.99 | $39.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,993▲ | $52,901 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,793 | $72,647▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,139 | $84,571▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,445 | $96,217▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610 | 5,200▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Cleveland is $5,803 (7.54%). Cleveland's median is +5.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $35,452,Cleveland spans $43,316. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($88,090 effective) pays 6.91% more than Akron ($82,397 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,217)
- ✓Larger job market (5,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,090)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Akron grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Akron, OH
$63,840 (2019) → $74,650 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$61,010 (2019) → $80,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Akron or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cleveland as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Akron vs Cleveland?
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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