Lake Stevens vs Spokane: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,487▲ | $98,587 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.83▲ | $47.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,517 | $70,637▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,784 | $93,001▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,410▲ | $102,947 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,658▲ | $108,131 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Lake Stevens, WA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Spokane is $900 (0.91%). Lake Stevens's median is +26.67% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $74,141,Spokane spans $37,494. Lake Stevens 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, Spokane ($98,247 effective) pays 6.06% more than Lake Stevens ($92,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,658)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,247)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Lake Stevens grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$91,409 (2024) → $96,533 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$75,590 (2019) → $95,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Lake Stevens or Spokane?
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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