Gainesville vs Savannah: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Gainesville, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gainesville, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,279▲ | $61,764 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.42▲ | $29.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,530▲ | $45,491 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,406▲ | $52,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,659▲ | $63,629 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,408 | $79,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 420 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Gainesville and Savannah are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gainesville and Savannah is $1,515 (2.45%). Gainesville's median is -19.43% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gainesville spans $25,878,Savannah spans $34,123. Savannah 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, Gainesville ($65,394 effective) pays 0.80% more than Savannah ($64,874 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,279/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,394)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,614)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Gainesville grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Gainesville, GA
$45,250 (2019) → $61,400 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$44,780 (2019) → $59,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gainesville, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Gainesville or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gainesville and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Gainesville to Savannah as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Gainesville vs Savannah?
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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