Dallas vs Lubbock: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Dallas, TX and Lubbock, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Lubbock, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,753▲ | $79,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.04▲ | $38.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,619▲ | $50,015 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,583▲ | $61,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,607 | $102,617▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,285▲ | $102,617 |
| Total Employed | 16,430▲ | 790 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lubbock.
The salary gap between Dallas and Lubbock is $16,283 (20.49%). 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,Lubbock spans $52,602. Lubbock 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 6.73% more than Lubbock ($87,027 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 Lubbock 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 27.0% growth in Lubbock over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$71,770 (2019) → $92,910 (2025)
Lubbock, TX
$60,700 (2019) → $77,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Lubbock, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Dallas or Lubbock?
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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