Eugene vs The Dalles: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Eugene, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,619▲ | $85,936 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.98▲ | $41.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,790▲ | $58,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,809▲ | $69,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,619 | $108,890▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,656 | $124,652▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Eugene, OR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Eugene and The Dalles is $9,683 (11.27%). 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,The Dalles spans $65,816. The Dalles 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 12.40% more than The Dalles ($83,758 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 The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,652)
- ✓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 The Dalles over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$72,810 (2019) → $92,780 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$77,974 (2024) → $83,384 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Eugene or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Eugene to The Dalles as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Eugene vs The Dalles?
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