Bethlehem vs Pittsburgh: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,239▲ | $85,736 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.90▲ | $41.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,501▲ | $52,014 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,934▲ | $66,608 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,364▲ | $101,586 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,609▲ | $110,923 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 5,080▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Pittsburgh is $3,503 (4.09%). Bethlehem's median is +13.62% 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,Pittsburgh spans $58,909. 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 1.17% more than Pittsburgh ($90,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,239/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,609)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,621)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,080 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 25.0% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$74,081 (2024) → $86,589 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$66,550 (2019) → $83,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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