Cincinnati vs Dayton: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,871▲ | $78,645 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.84▲ | $37.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,816 | $61,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,886▲ | $66,659 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,216▲ | $83,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,648▲ | $94,475 |
| Total Employed | 3,900▲ | 1,440 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $4,226 (5.37%). Cincinnati's median is +5.51% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $42,832,Dayton spans $33,268. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($86,894 effective) pays 2.42% more than Dayton ($84,844 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,871/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,648)
- ✓Larger job market (3,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,894)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Cincinnati grew 16.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$69,110 (2019) → $80,410 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$68,270 (2019) → $76,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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