Mayaguez vs Ponce: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Mayaguez, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mayaguez, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,320▲ | $31,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.44▲ | $15.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,918▲ | $24,961 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,030▲ | $29,228 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,649▲ | $31,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,236▲ | $31,773 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Mayaguez, PR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Mayaguez and Ponce is $31,547 (99.29%). Mayaguez's median is -19.38% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mayaguez spans $69,318,Ponce spans $6,812. Mayaguez has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,236)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Mayaguez grew 113.0% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Ponce over the same period.
Mayaguez, PR
$28,840 (2022) → $61,440 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$22,550 (2019) → $30,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Mayaguez or Ponce?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mayaguez and Ponce?
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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