Dearborn vs Grand Rapids: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Dearborn, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,433▲ | $77,213 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.67▲ | $37.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,950▲ | $45,522 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,734▲ | $61,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,955▲ | $84,252 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,672▲ | $87,704 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
Dearborn, MI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Grand Rapids is $3,220 (4.17%). Dearborn's median is +2.41% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $72,722,Grand Rapids spans $42,182. Dearborn 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, Dearborn ($86,302 effective) pays 6.79% more than Grand Rapids ($80,812 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,433/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,672)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,302)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Dearborn grew 22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$63,679 (2024) → $78,045 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$66,660 (2019) → $74,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Dearborn or Grand Rapids?
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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