Gilroy vs Los Angeles: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Gilroy, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gilroy, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,598 | $125,713▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.17 | $60.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,789 | $81,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,596 | $101,184▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,661▲ | $129,938 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,427▲ | $131,793 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 24,720▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gilroy.
The salary gap between Gilroy and Los Angeles is $15,115 (13.67%). Los Angeles's median is +60.06% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gilroy spans $104,638,Los Angeles spans $50,510. Gilroy 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, Los Angeles ($110,696 effective) pays 13.20% more than Gilroy ($97,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gilroy if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,427)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,713/year)
- ✓Larger job market (24,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,696)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Gilroy grew -12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Gilroy, CA
$122,199 (2024) → $107,314 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$113,160 (2019) → $121,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gilroy, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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