Augusta vs Cartersville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Augusta, GA and Cartersville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Cartersville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,177▲ | $57,158 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.93▲ | $27.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,264▲ | $36,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,262▲ | $44,759 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,422 | $69,664▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,996 | $78,654▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cartersville.
The salary gap between Augusta and Cartersville is $3,019 (5.28%). Augusta's median is -23.38% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $32,732,Cartersville spans $41,662. Cartersville 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, Augusta ($65,479 effective) pays 6.65% more than Cartersville ($61,394 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,177/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,479)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Cartersville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,654)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Augusta grew 40.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Cartersville over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$41,430 (2019) → $58,390 (2025)
Cartersville, GA
$48,774 (2024) → $55,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Cartersville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Augusta or Cartersville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Cartersville?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Cartersville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Augusta vs Cartersville?
Related Comparisons
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