Kingston vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Kingston, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingston, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,833 | $95,763▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.05 | $46.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,354 | $58,888▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,971 | $67,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,601 | $99,144▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,865 | $104,534▲ |
| Total Employed | 390 | 1,800▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingston.
The salary gap between Kingston and Rochester is $24,930 (35.20%). Rochester's median is +21.93% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingston spans $44,511,Rochester spans $45,646. Rochester 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, Rochester ($98,689 effective) pays 40.31% more than Kingston ($70,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,763/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,534)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,689)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Kingston grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Kingston, NY
$62,090 (2019) → $68,730 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$71,350 (2019) → $92,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingston, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Kingston or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingston and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Kingston to Rochester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Kingston vs Rochester?
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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