Fort Collins vs Steamboat Springs: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,700▲ | $93,898 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.93▲ | $45.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,975▲ | $59,147 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,975 | $78,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,380 | $115,466▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,770 | $136,019▲ |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs is $5,802 (6.18%). Fort Collins's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $27,795,Steamboat Springs spans $76,872. Steamboat Springs 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, Fort Collins ($98,588 effective) pays 10.24% more than Steamboat Springs ($89,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,700/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,588)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,019)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fort Collins grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$82,390 (2019) → $96,740 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$71,289 (2024) → $91,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Fort Collins or Steamboat Springs?
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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