Allentown vs Reading: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Allentown, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,117 | $89,724▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.88 | $43.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,756 | $60,465▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,567 | $66,432▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,979 | $101,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,893 | $117,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Reading, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Allentown.
The salary gap between Allentown and Reading is $2,607 (2.99%). Reading's median is +14.24% 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,Reading spans $57,333. Reading 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, Reading ($92,442 effective) pays 6.08% more than Allentown ($87,145 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,724/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,798)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,442)
- ✓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 29.3% growth in Reading over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$68,960 (2019) → $84,530 (2025)
Reading, PA
$67,330 (2019) → $87,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Allentown or Reading?
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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