Harlingen vs San Antonio: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Harlingen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harlingen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,601 | $76,120▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.65 | $36.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,686 | $59,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,841 | $62,248▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,244 | $77,336▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,784 | $97,618▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 5,130▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Harlingen and San Antonio is $16,519 (27.72%). San Antonio's median is -3.08% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harlingen spans $51,098,San Antonio spans $38,451. Harlingen 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, San Antonio ($80,367 effective) pays 29.45% more than Harlingen ($62,084 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,120/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,618)
- ✓Larger job market (5,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,367)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Harlingen grew -17.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Harlingen, TX
$69,647 (2024) → $57,831 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$58,050 (2019) → $73,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harlingen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Harlingen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harlingen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Harlingen to San Antonio as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Harlingen vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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