Dallas vs Houston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,753▲ | $76,852 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.04▲ | $36.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,619▲ | $60,919 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,583▲ | $63,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,607▲ | $85,004 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,285▲ | $96,670 |
| Total Employed | 16,430▲ | 16,250 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $18,901 (24.59%). 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 Dallas spans $42,666,Houston spans $35,751. Dallas 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, Dallas ($92,883 effective) pays 19.20% more than Houston ($77,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Houston if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Dallas grew 29.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$71,770 (2019) → $92,910 (2025)
Houston, TX
$64,620 (2019) → $74,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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