Hillsboro vs Portland: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,454▲ | $100,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.25▲ | $48.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,522 | $82,077▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,167 | $86,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,141▲ | $103,349 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,690▲ | $117,550 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 2,290▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro, OR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Portland is $2,280 (2.28%). Hillsboro's median is +30.44% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $92,168,Portland spans $35,473. Hillsboro 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, Hillsboro ($99,858 effective) pays 5.09% more than Portland ($95,023 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,690)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,858)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hillsboro grew 14.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Portland over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$86,907 (2024) → $99,412 (2025)
Portland, OR
$80,480 (2019) → $97,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hillsboro or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hillsboro and Portland?
Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Portland as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Hillsboro vs Portland?
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