Baltimore vs Hagerstown: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,872▲ | $68,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.93▲ | $32.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,630▲ | $58,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,307▲ | $64,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,927▲ | $86,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,070▲ | $99,309 |
| Total Employed | 4,600▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Hagerstown is $10,832 (15.92%). Baltimore's median is +0.42% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $41,440,Hagerstown spans $40,678. Baltimore 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, Baltimore ($75,485 effective) pays 4.48% more than Hagerstown ($72,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,070)
- ✓Larger job market (4,600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,485)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Baltimore grew 7.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$71,060 (2019) → $76,530 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$53,750 (2019) → $66,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Baltimore or Hagerstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Hagerstown?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Hagerstown as a police officer?
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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