Bradenton vs Orlando: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bradenton, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bradenton, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,493▲ | $64,938 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.77▲ | $31.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,445 | $48,954▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,832 | $60,517▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,592▲ | $78,913 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,367▲ | $97,216 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 5,400▲ |
Verdict
Bradenton, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Bradenton and Orlando is $11,555 (17.79%). Bradenton's median is -2.61% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bradenton spans $65,922,Orlando spans $48,262. Bradenton 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, Bradenton ($75,886 effective) pays 18.52% more than Orlando ($64,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bradenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,493/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,367)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,886)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bradenton grew 22.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Bradenton, FL
$60,567 (2024) → $74,222 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$55,790 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bradenton, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bradenton or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bradenton and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Bradenton to Orlando as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Bradenton vs Orlando?
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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