Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,088▲ | $94,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.16▲ | $45.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,245 | $64,928▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,199▲ | $75,718 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,298▲ | $100,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,578▲ | $100,607 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,240▲ |
Verdict
Castle Rock, CO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs is $3,706 (3.93%). Castle Rock's median is +24.89% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Castle Rock spans $79,333,Colorado Springs spans $35,679. Castle Rock 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, Colorado Springs ($93,719 effective) pays 0.32% more than Castle Rock ($93,417 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,088/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,578)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,719)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Castle Rock grew 27.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$74,470 (2024) → $95,176 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,030 (2019) → $91,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Castle Rock or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs?
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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