Del Rio vs Houston: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Del Rio, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Del Rio, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,658 | $76,852▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.37 | $36.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,571 | $60,919▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,470 | $63,114▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,873▲ | $85,004 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,482▲ | $96,670 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 16,250▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Del Rio.
The salary gap between Del Rio and Houston is $1,194 (1.58%). Houston's median is -2.15% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Del Rio spans $59,911,Houston spans $35,751. Del Rio 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, Del Rio ($78,810 effective) pays 1.14% more than Houston ($77,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Del Rio if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,482)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,810)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,852/year)
- ✓Larger job market (16,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Del Rio grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Houston over the same period.
Del Rio, TX
$68,047 (2024) → $73,412 (2025)
Houston, TX
$64,620 (2019) → $74,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Del Rio, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Del Rio or Houston?
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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