Cincinnati vs Kettering: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Kettering, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,871▲ | $77,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.84▲ | $37.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,816▲ | $49,763 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,886▲ | $61,063 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,216 | $99,309▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,648 | $120,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,900▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kettering.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Kettering is $5,286 (6.81%). 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,Kettering spans $70,245. Kettering 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, Cincinnati ($86,894 effective) pays 1.58% more than Kettering ($85,540 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)
- ✓Larger job market (3,900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,894)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Kettering if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,008)
- ✓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 25.0% growth in Kettering over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$69,110 (2019) → $80,410 (2025)
Kettering, OH
$60,236 (2024) → $75,281 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Kettering, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cincinnati or Kettering?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Kettering?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Kettering as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Cincinnati vs Kettering?
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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