Gadsden vs Montgomery: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Gadsden, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gadsden, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,819 | $49,974▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.95 | $24.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,009 | $38,678▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,998 | $45,192▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,819 | $61,888▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,001 | $72,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.
The salary gap between Gadsden and Montgomery is $155 (0.31%). Montgomery's median is -36.37% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $24,992,Montgomery spans $34,196. Montgomery 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, Gadsden ($58,164 effective) pays 4.38% more than Montgomery ($55,724 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,164)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,974/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,874)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Gadsden grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Gadsden, AL
$37,120 (2019) → $48,340 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$47,790 (2019) → $48,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gadsden, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Gadsden or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Gadsden to Montgomery 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