Denton vs San Antonio: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Denton, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denton, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,419▲ | $76,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.74▲ | $36.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,121 | $59,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,372 | $62,248▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,816▲ | $77,336 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,414▲ | $97,618 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 5,130▲ |
Verdict
Denton, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Denton and San Antonio is $299 (0.39%). Denton's median is -2.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denton spans $69,293,San Antonio spans $38,451. Denton 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, San Antonio ($80,367 effective) pays 0.96% more than Denton ($79,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,419/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,414)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,367)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Denton grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Denton, TX
$68,731 (2024) → $74,150 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$58,050 (2019) → $73,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denton, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Denton or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denton and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Denton to San Antonio as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Denton vs San Antonio?
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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