Amarillo vs Houston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Amarillo, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amarillo, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,314▲ | $76,852 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.09▲ | $36.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,497 | $60,919▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,185▲ | $63,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,716 | $85,004▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,197 | $96,670▲ |
| Total Employed | 610 | 16,250▲ |
Verdict
Amarillo and Houston are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Amarillo and Houston is $4,462 (5.81%). Amarillo's median is +3.53% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amarillo spans $34,700,Houston spans $35,751. Houston 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, Amarillo ($88,558 effective) pays 13.65% more than Houston ($77,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amarillo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,314/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,558)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,670)
- ✓Larger job market (16,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Amarillo grew 14.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Amarillo, TX
$69,050 (2019) → $78,900 (2025)
Houston, TX
$64,620 (2019) → $74,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amarillo, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Amarillo or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amarillo and Houston?
Should I relocate from Amarillo to Houston as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Amarillo vs Houston?
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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