Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,444▲ | $57,376 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.02▲ | $27.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,831▲ | $36,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,788▲ | $44,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,563▲ | $72,827 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,583 | $84,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,730▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vestavia Hills.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills is $5,068 (8.83%). Birmingham's median is -20.50% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $35,752,Vestavia Hills spans $47,655. Vestavia Hills has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($68,138 effective) pays 4.39% more than Vestavia Hills ($65,274 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,444/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,138)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,412)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Birmingham grew 16.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$52,060 (2019) → $60,590 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$40,506 (2024) → $55,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Birmingham or Vestavia Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Vestavia Hills 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