Cleveland vs Lakewood: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,737▲ | $73,931 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.77▲ | $35.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,901▲ | $43,993 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,647▲ | $55,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,571 | $93,820▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,217 | $114,392▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,200▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lakewood is $8,806 (11.91%). Cleveland's median is +5.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $43,316,Lakewood spans $70,399. Lakewood 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, Cleveland ($88,090 effective) pays 8.07% more than Lakewood ($81,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,090)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,392)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Cleveland grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$61,010 (2019) → $80,280 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$61,365 (2024) → $71,736 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cleveland or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lakewood as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Cleveland vs Lakewood?
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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