Dearborn Heights vs Lansing: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn Heights, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,949 | $77,986▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.03 | $37.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,118 | $54,395▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,543 | $62,506▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,860▲ | $83,180 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,171▲ | $99,700 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.
The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Lansing is $3,037 (4.05%). Lansing's median is -0.71% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $71,053,Lansing spans $45,305. Dearborn 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, Lansing ($82,098 effective) pays 2.09% more than Dearborn Heights ($80,417 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,171)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,986/year)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,098)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Dearborn Heights, MI
$63,327 (2024) → $72,724 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$61,300 (2019) → $75,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn Heights, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Dearborn Heights or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Lansing as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Dearborn Heights vs Lansing?
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