Carson City vs Fernley: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Carson City, NV and Fernley, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Fernley, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,225▲ | $71,364 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.01▲ | $34.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,323▲ | $48,616 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,668▲ | $57,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,225▲ | $90,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,225▲ | $103,333 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Carson City, NV offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fernley.
The salary gap between Carson City and Fernley is $63,861 (89.49%). Carson City's median is +72.17% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $48,902,Fernley spans $54,717. Fernley 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, Carson City ($137,802 effective) pays 89.81% more than Fernley ($72,598 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,225/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,225)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,802)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Fernley if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Carson City grew 106.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Fernley over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$63,500 (2021) → $131,210 (2025)
Fernley, NV
$74,506 (2024) → $69,245 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Fernley, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Carson City or Fernley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Fernley?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Fernley as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Carson City vs Fernley?
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