Cottonwood Heights vs Provo: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cottonwood Heights, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottonwood Heights, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,116▲ | $78,624 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.04▲ | $37.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,589 | $61,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,026 | $62,949▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,727▲ | $82,664 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,960▲ | $93,723 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Cottonwood Heights, UT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Provo.
The salary gap between Cottonwood Heights and Provo is $492 (0.63%). Cottonwood Heights's median is +0.73% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottonwood Heights spans $65,371,Provo spans $31,732. Cottonwood Heights 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, Cottonwood Heights ($80,648 effective) pays 0.76% more than Provo ($80,039 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottonwood Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,116/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,960)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,648)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Cottonwood Heights grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.6% growth in Provo over the same period.
Cottonwood Heights, UT
$59,807 (2024) → $76,767 (2025)
Provo, UT
$51,690 (2019) → $76,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottonwood Heights, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cottonwood Heights or Provo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottonwood Heights and Provo?
Should I relocate from Cottonwood Heights to Provo as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Cottonwood Heights vs Provo?
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