Leavenworth vs Manhattan: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Leavenworth, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Leavenworth, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,821▲ | $53,818 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.57▲ | $25.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,906 | $44,048▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,387▲ | $49,634 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,529▲ | $65,690 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,225▲ | $78,645 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Leavenworth, KS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.
The salary gap between Leavenworth and Manhattan is $16,003 (29.74%). Leavenworth's median is -11.10% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Leavenworth spans $62,319,Manhattan spans $34,597. Leavenworth 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, Leavenworth ($76,811 effective) pays 28.68% more than Manhattan ($59,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Leavenworth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,821/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,225)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,811)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Leavenworth grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Leavenworth, KS
$48,893 (2024) → $67,748 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$49,290 (2019) → $52,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Leavenworth, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Leavenworth or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Leavenworth and Manhattan?
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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