Castle Rock vs Denver: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,088 | $105,090▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.16 | $50.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,245 | $78,985▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,199 | $86,148▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,298▲ | $109,295 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,578▲ | $117,107 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 4,990▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Denver is $7,002 (7.14%). Denver's median is +33.80% 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,Denver spans $38,122. 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, Denver ($99,346 effective) pays 6.35% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,578)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,090/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,346)
- ✓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 20.2% growth in Denver over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$74,470 (2024) → $95,176 (2025)
Denver, CO
$84,840 (2019) → $101,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Castle Rock or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Castle Rock and Denver?
Should I relocate from Castle Rock to Denver as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Castle Rock vs Denver?
Related Comparisons
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