Auburn vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Auburn, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,908 | $95,763▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.45 | $46.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,898 | $58,888▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,621 | $67,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,685▲ | $99,144 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,635▲ | $104,534 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,800▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Rochester is $17,855 (22.92%). Rochester's median is +21.93% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $64,737,Rochester spans $45,646. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($98,689 effective) pays 46.82% more than Auburn ($67,220 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,635)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,763/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,689)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Auburn grew -16.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$90,325 (2024) → $75,595 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$71,350 (2019) → $92,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Auburn or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Rochester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Auburn vs Rochester?
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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