Bowling Green vs Lexington: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,403 | $63,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.00 | $30.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,802 | $49,407▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,126 | $60,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,101 | $78,099▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,501 | $90,950▲ |
| Total Employed | 360 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Lexington is $1,206 (1.93%). Lexington's median is -19.01% 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,Lexington spans $41,543. Lexington 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 1.05% more than Lexington ($68,479 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,199)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,950)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓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 35.5% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$45,210 (2019) → $60,550 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$45,560 (2019) → $61,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bowling Green or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Lexington?
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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