Lansing vs Niles: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Lansing, MI and Niles, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Niles, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,986▲ | $68,648 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.49▲ | $33.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,395▲ | $42,873 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,506▲ | $57,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,180▲ | $82,592 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,700▲ | $84,973 |
| Total Employed | 920▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Niles.
The salary gap between Lansing and Niles is $9,338 (13.60%). Lansing's median is -0.71% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $45,305,Niles spans $42,100. Lansing 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, Lansing ($82,098 effective) pays 10.47% more than Niles ($74,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,986/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,700)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,098)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Niles if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Lansing grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Niles over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$61,300 (2019) → $75,670 (2025)
Niles, MI
$49,600 (2019) → $66,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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