Arecibo vs Ponce: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Arecibo, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arecibo, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $34,082▲ | $31,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $16.39▲ | $15.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,899 | $24,961▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,630 | $29,228▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,769▲ | $31,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,226▲ | $31,773 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Arecibo, PR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Arecibo and Ponce is $2,309 (7.27%). Arecibo's median is -56.61% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $76,327,Ponce spans $6,812. Arecibo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arecibo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,082/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,226)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Arecibo grew 73.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Ponce over the same period.
Arecibo, PR
$19,060 (2019) → $33,070 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$22,550 (2019) → $30,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arecibo, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
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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