Albuquerque vs Las Vegas: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Vegas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Vegas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,625▲ | $68,922 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.36▲ | $33.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,331▲ | $47,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,959▲ | $56,155 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,625 | $83,612▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,295 | $100,358▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,780▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Vegas.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Vegas is $6,703 (9.73%). Albuquerque's median is -3.71% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $13,964,Las Vegas spans $52,748. Las Vegas 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, Albuquerque ($79,150 effective) pays 8.41% more than Las Vegas ($73,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,625/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,150)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,358)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Albuquerque grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$57,100 (2019) → $73,380 (2025)
Las Vegas, NM
$54,407 (2024) → $66,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Vegas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Albuquerque or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Vegas?
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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