Augusta vs Columbus: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Augusta, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,177▲ | $51,520 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.93▲ | $24.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,264 | $45,614▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,262 | $51,520▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,422▲ | $58,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,996▲ | $64,979 |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 1,010 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Augusta and Columbus is $8,657 (16.80%). 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,Columbus spans $19,365. Augusta 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, Augusta ($65,479 effective) pays 13.49% more than Columbus ($57,696 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,996)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,479)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓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 9.6% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$41,430 (2019) → $58,390 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$45,620 (2019) → $49,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Augusta or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Columbus as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Augusta vs Columbus?
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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