Grand Rapids vs Warren: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Warren, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Warren, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,213 | $80,149▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.12 | $38.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,522 | $51,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,650 | $62,917▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,252 | $102,590▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,704 | $124,047▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Warren, MI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Warren is $2,936 (3.80%). Warren's median is +2.05% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $42,182,Warren spans $72,723. Warren 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, Warren ($85,997 effective) pays 6.42% more than Grand Rapids ($80,812 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Warren if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,149/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,047)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,997)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Grand Rapids grew 12.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Warren over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$66,660 (2019) → $74,920 (2025)
Warren, MI
$63,454 (2024) → $77,769 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Warren, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Grand Rapids or Warren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Warren?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Warren as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Grand Rapids vs Warren?
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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