Atlantic City vs Paterson: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,109 | $90,417▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.03 | $43.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,479 | $57,627▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,146 | $70,771▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,018 | $115,733▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,774 | $139,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $11,308 (14.29%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $76,295,Paterson spans $82,193. Paterson 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, Atlantic City ($80,024 effective) pays 1.96% more than Paterson ($78,487 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,024)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,417/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,820)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Atlantic City grew -13.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$88,400 (2019) → $76,760 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$109,363 (2024) → $87,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
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