Allentown vs Altoona: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Allentown, PA and Altoona, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Altoona, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,117▲ | $72,719 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.88▲ | $34.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,756▲ | $37,328 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,567▲ | $61,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,979 | $99,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,893 | $110,336▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Allentown and Altoona is $14,398 (19.80%). Allentown's median is +10.92% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $54,137,Altoona spans $73,008. Altoona 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, Allentown ($87,145 effective) pays 7.26% more than Altoona ($81,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,117/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,145)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,336)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Allentown grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Altoona over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$68,960 (2019) → $84,530 (2025)
Altoona, PA
$54,930 (2019) → $70,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Altoona, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Allentown or Altoona?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Altoona?
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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