Fernley vs Reno: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Fernley, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fernley, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,364 | $94,949▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.31 | $45.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,616 | $61,486▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,650 | $78,336▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,154 | $105,956▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,333 | $129,237▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,030▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fernley.
The salary gap between Fernley and Reno is $23,585 (33.05%). Reno's median is +20.89% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fernley spans $54,717,Reno spans $67,751. Reno 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, Reno ($93,996 effective) pays 29.47% more than Fernley ($72,598 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fernley if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,949/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,237)
- ✓Larger job market (1,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,996)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fernley grew -7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Reno over the same period.
Fernley, NV
$74,506 (2024) → $69,245 (2025)
Reno, NV
$71,770 (2019) → $92,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fernley, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Fernley or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fernley and Reno?
Should I relocate from Fernley to Reno as a police officer?
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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