Dundalk vs Hagerstown: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Dundalk, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dundalk, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,918▲ | $68,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.86▲ | $32.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,079 | $58,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,179▲ | $64,114 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,135▲ | $86,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,429▲ | $99,309 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Dundalk, MD offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Dundalk and Hagerstown is $14,878 (21.87%). Dundalk's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dundalk spans $71,350,Hagerstown spans $40,678. Dundalk 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, Dundalk ($75,863 effective) pays 5.00% more than Hagerstown ($72,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dundalk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,918/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,429)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,863)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Dundalk grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Dundalk, MD
$82,345 (2024) → $80,456 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$53,750 (2019) → $66,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dundalk, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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