Bear vs Smyrna: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,419▲ | $68,075 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.86▲ | $32.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,313 | $46,636▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,680▲ | $55,181 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,436▲ | $84,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,548▲ | $96,360 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $2,344 (3.44%). Bear's median is -10.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $51,235,Smyrna spans $49,724. Bear 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, Bear ($69,242 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($66,937 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,419/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,548)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,242)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bear grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$70,171 (2024) → $68,328 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$67,837 (2024) → $66,054 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna 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