Alexandria vs Richmond: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Alexandria, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,840▲ | $64,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.27▲ | $31.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,914▲ | $54,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,408▲ | $60,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,874▲ | $78,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,897▲ | $99,164 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 3,410▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Richmond is $21,201 (32.80%). Alexandria's median is +9.29% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $77,983,Richmond spans $44,264. Alexandria has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Alexandria ($83,178 effective) pays 25.92% more than Richmond ($66,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,840/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,178)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Alexandria grew 30.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$64,078 (2024) → $83,291 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$53,600 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Alexandria or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to Richmond as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Alexandria vs Richmond?
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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