Colorado Springs vs Steamboat Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,382▲ | $93,898 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.38▲ | $45.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,928▲ | $59,147 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,718 | $78,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,607 | $115,466▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,607 | $136,019▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs is $484 (0.52%). Colorado Springs's median is +20.17% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $35,679,Steamboat Springs spans $76,872. Steamboat Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($93,719 effective) pays 4.80% more than Steamboat Springs ($89,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,382/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,719)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,019)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$72,030 (2019) → $91,580 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$71,289 (2024) → $91,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Colorado Springs or Steamboat Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Steamboat Springs as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Colorado Springs vs Steamboat Springs?
Related Comparisons
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