Green Bay vs Wausau: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Green Bay, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,592▲ | $80,541 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.19▲ | $38.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,125▲ | $60,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,731 | $77,316▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,613 | $84,159▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,350 | $101,823▲ |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Green Bay, WI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Green Bay and Wausau is $3,051 (3.79%). Green Bay's median is +6.43% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $35,225,Wausau spans $40,884. Wausau 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, Green Bay ($89,801 effective) pays 3.30% more than Wausau ($86,929 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,592/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,801)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,823)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Green Bay grew 12.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$72,140 (2019) → $81,110 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$66,050 (2019) → $78,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Green Bay or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Green Bay and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Green Bay to Wausau as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Green Bay vs Wausau?
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