Albany vs Atlanta: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Albany, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,354 | $62,774▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.61 | $30.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,936 | $50,190▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,458 | $56,745▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,608 | $72,966▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,731 | $81,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 380 | 11,310▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Atlanta is $7,420 (13.40%). Atlanta's median is -20.08% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $28,795,Atlanta spans $31,516. Atlanta 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, Albany ($63,140 effective) pays 0.64% more than Atlanta ($62,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,140)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,706)
- ✓Larger job market (11,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Albany grew 41.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Albany, GA
$37,910 (2019) → $53,710 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$47,830 (2019) → $60,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Albany or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Albany to Atlanta as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Albany vs Atlanta?
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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