College Park vs Salisbury: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between College Park, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | College Park, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,801▲ | $60,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.29▲ | $29.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,242▲ | $49,551 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,889▲ | $58,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,266▲ | $87,653 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,995▲ | $106,677 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 320▲ |
Verdict
College Park, MD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between College Park and Salisbury is $23,428 (38.81%). College Park's median is +6.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in College Park spans $74,753,Salisbury spans $57,126. College Park 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, College Park ($76,671 effective) pays 21.43% more than Salisbury ($63,140 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose College Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,801/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,995)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,671)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in College Park grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
College Park, MD
$83,222 (2024) → $81,313 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$57,830 (2019) → $58,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
College Park, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: College Park or Salisbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between College Park and Salisbury?
Should I relocate from College Park to Salisbury as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in College Park vs Salisbury?
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