Mount Vernon vs Rochester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Mount Vernon, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,430 | $95,763▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.15 | $46.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,247 | $58,888▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,739 | $67,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,230▲ | $99,144 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,734▲ | $104,534 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,800▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Vernon.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Rochester is $14,333 (17.60%). Rochester's median is +21.93% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $77,487,Rochester spans $45,646. Mount Vernon 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, Rochester ($98,689 effective) pays 40.47% more than Mount Vernon ($70,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,734)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,763/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,689)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Mount Vernon grew -16.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Mount Vernon, NY
$94,408 (2024) → $79,012 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$71,350 (2019) → $92,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, NY
Rochester, NY
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