Davis vs Los Angeles: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Davis, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davis, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,991 | $125,713▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44 | $60.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,418 | $81,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,057 | $101,184▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,948▲ | $129,938 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,331▲ | $131,793 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 24,720▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davis.
The salary gap between Davis and Los Angeles is $18,722 (17.50%). Los Angeles's median is +60.06% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davis spans $91,913,Los Angeles spans $50,510. Davis 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, Los Angeles ($110,696 effective) pays 17.02% more than Davis ($94,599 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,331)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,713/year)
- ✓Larger job market (24,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,696)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Davis grew -12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Davis, CA
$118,213 (2024) → $103,814 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$113,160 (2019) → $121,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Davis or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davis and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Davis to Los Angeles as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Davis vs Los Angeles?
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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