Frankfort vs Lexington: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Frankfort, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Frankfort, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,638 | $63,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.63 | $30.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,308 | $49,407▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,256 | $60,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,393 | $78,099▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,094▲ | $90,950 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Frankfort.
The salary gap between Frankfort and Lexington is $1,971 (3.20%). Lexington's median is -19.01% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Frankfort spans $54,786,Lexington spans $41,543. Frankfort 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, Frankfort ($69,024 effective) pays 0.80% more than Lexington ($68,479 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Frankfort if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,094)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,024)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,609/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Frankfort grew 31.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Frankfort, KY
$45,488 (2024) → $59,808 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$45,560 (2019) → $61,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frankfort, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Frankfort or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Frankfort and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Frankfort to Lexington 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