College Station vs Dallas: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between College Station, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | College Station, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,913 | $95,753▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.94 | $46.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,888 | $64,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,495 | $78,583▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,692 | $100,607▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,607 | $107,285▲ |
| Total Employed | 490 | 16,430▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to College Station.
The salary gap between College Station and Dallas is $16,840 (21.34%). Dallas's median is +21.91% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in College Station spans $39,719,Dallas spans $42,666. Dallas 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, Dallas ($92,883 effective) pays 7.05% more than College Station ($86,764 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose College Station if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,753/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,285)
- ✓Larger job market (16,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,883)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in College Station grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Dallas over the same period.
College Station, TX
$62,260 (2019) → $76,570 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$71,770 (2019) → $92,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
College Station, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: College Station or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between College Station and Dallas?
Should I relocate from College Station to Dallas as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in College Station vs Dallas?
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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