Falls Church vs Roanoke: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Falls Church, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Falls Church, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,029 | $61,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.94 | $29.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,941 | $49,077▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,095 | $56,714▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,436 | $78,223▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,954 | $80,160▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Falls Church.
The salary gap between Falls Church and Roanoke is $5,704 (10.18%). Roanoke's median is -21.40% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Falls Church spans $41,013,Roanoke spans $31,083. Falls Church 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, Roanoke ($65,941 effective) pays 21.46% more than Falls Church ($54,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Falls Church if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,160)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,941)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Falls Church grew -7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Falls Church, VA
$58,997 (2024) → $54,365 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$47,170 (2019) → $59,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Falls Church, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Falls Church or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Falls Church and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Falls Church to Roanoke as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Falls Church vs Roanoke?
Related Comparisons
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