Decatur vs Huntsville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,868 | $66,525▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.30 | $31.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,101 | $46,872▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,190 | $53,200▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,131 | $79,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,563 | $79,109▲ |
| Total Employed | 360 | 980▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Huntsville is $7,657 (13.01%). Huntsville's median is -15.30% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $36,462,Huntsville spans $32,237. Decatur 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, Huntsville ($71,477 effective) pays 5.89% more than Decatur ($67,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,525/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,109)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,477)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Decatur grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$43,660 (2019) → $57,120 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$50,770 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Decatur or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Huntsville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Decatur vs Huntsville?
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