Eugene vs Gresham: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Eugene, OR and Gresham, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Gresham, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,619▲ | $94,875 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.98▲ | $45.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,790▲ | $56,456 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,809▲ | $71,294 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,619 | $120,501▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,656 | $141,374▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gresham.
The salary gap between Eugene and Gresham is $744 (0.78%). Eugene's median is +21.74% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $30,866,Gresham spans $84,918. Gresham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eugene ($94,143 effective) pays 1.81% more than Gresham ($92,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,619/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,143)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,374)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Eugene grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Gresham over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$72,810 (2019) → $92,780 (2025)
Gresham, OR
$86,085 (2024) → $92,058 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Gresham, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Eugene or Gresham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Gresham?
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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