Burlington vs Cedar Rapids: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Burlington, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,756 | $81,706▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.91 | $39.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,409 | $64,474▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,881 | $66,412▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,909▲ | $81,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,432▲ | $100,411 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is $4,950 (6.45%). Cedar Rapids's median is +4.03% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $59,023,Cedar Rapids spans $35,937. Burlington 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, Cedar Rapids ($91,843 effective) pays 8.17% more than Burlington ($84,907 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,432)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,706/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,843)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Burlington grew 32.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.5% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$56,421 (2024) → $74,477 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$64,200 (2019) → $79,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Burlington or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Cedar Rapids as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Burlington vs Cedar Rapids?
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