Johnson City vs Nashville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Johnson City, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,985 | $70,885▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.06 | $34.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,462 | $50,953▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,574 | $59,775▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,516 | $77,934▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,388 | $96,691▲ |
| Total Employed | 340 | 4,730▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Nashville is $22,900 (47.72%). Nashville's median is -9.75% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $37,926,Nashville spans $45,738. Nashville 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, Nashville ($73,579 effective) pays 34.83% more than Johnson City ($54,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,691)
- ✓Larger job market (4,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,579)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Johnson City grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$43,500 (2019) → $46,560 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$49,880 (2019) → $68,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Johnson City or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Nashville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Johnson City vs Nashville?
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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