McLean vs Richmond: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between McLean, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,486 | $64,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.60 | $31.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,846 | $54,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,560 | $60,620▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,668 | $78,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,920 | $99,164▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 3,410▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Richmond is $5,153 (8.66%). Richmond's median is -17.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $49,074,Richmond spans $44,264. McLean 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, Richmond ($66,054 effective) pays 14.59% more than McLean ($57,641 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,164)
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,054)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in McLean grew -7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.0% growth in Richmond over the same period.
McLean, VA
$62,638 (2024) → $57,720 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$53,600 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: McLean or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Richmond?
Should I relocate from McLean to Richmond as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in McLean vs Richmond?
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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