Fort Lauderdale vs Miami: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Miami, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Miami, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,089 | $82,283▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.99 | $39.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,184 | $63,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,092 | $76,161▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,794▲ | $100,731 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,747▲ | $119,230 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 14,710▲ |
Verdict
Miami, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Lauderdale.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is $1,194 (1.47%). Miami's median is +4.76% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $73,563,Miami spans $55,745. Fort Lauderdale 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, Fort Lauderdale ($80,445 effective) pays 11.61% more than Miami ($72,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,747)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,445)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Miami if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,283/year)
- ✓Larger job market (14,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew 26.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Miami over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$62,204 (2024) → $78,681 (2025)
Miami, FL
$71,550 (2019) → $79,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Fort Lauderdale or Miami?
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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