Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,239 | $92,321▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.90 | $44.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,501 | $56,724▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,934 | $75,852▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,364▲ | $102,885 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,609▲ | $124,909 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 13,160▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethlehem.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $3,082 (3.45%). Philadelphia's median is +17.54% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $77,108,Philadelphia spans $68,185. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($91,621 effective) pays 1.78% more than Philadelphia ($90,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,609)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,621)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,321/year)
- ✓Larger job market (13,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bethlehem grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$74,081 (2024) → $86,589 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$73,720 (2019) → $89,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Philadelphia 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