Bowling Green vs Jeffersontown: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Jeffersontown, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Jeffersontown, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,403▲ | $59,735 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.00▲ | $28.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,802▲ | $38,915 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,126▲ | $47,165 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,101 | $76,375▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,501 | $88,569▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bowling Green, KY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jeffersontown.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Jeffersontown is $2,668 (4.47%). Bowling Green's median is -20.55% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $37,699,Jeffersontown spans $49,654. Jeffersontown 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, Bowling Green ($69,199 effective) pays 3.45% more than Jeffersontown ($66,892 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,403/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,199)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Jeffersontown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,569)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bowling Green grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Jeffersontown over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$45,210 (2019) → $60,550 (2025)
Jeffersontown, KY
$44,083 (2024) → $57,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Jeffersontown, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bowling Green or Jeffersontown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Jeffersontown?
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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