Houston vs University Park: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Houston, TX and University Park, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | University Park, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,852▲ | $72,810 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.95▲ | $35.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,919▲ | $46,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,114▲ | $56,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,004 | $92,516▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,670 | $106,292▲ |
| Total Employed | 16,250▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to University Park.
The salary gap between Houston and University Park is $4,042 (5.55%). Houston's median is -2.15% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $35,751,University Park spans $59,844. University Park 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, Houston ($77,920 effective) pays 2.74% more than University Park ($75,844 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,852/year)
- ✓Larger job market (16,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,920)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose University Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,292)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Houston grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in University Park over the same period.
Houston, TX
$64,620 (2019) → $74,570 (2025)
University Park, TX
$65,485 (2024) → $70,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
University Park, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Houston or University Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and University Park?
Should I relocate from Houston to University Park as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Houston vs University Park?
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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