Mount Vernon vs Olympia: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Mount Vernon, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,555▲ | $102,864 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.79▲ | $49.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,653 | $87,086▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,680▲ | $97,268 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,286 | $120,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,625 | $125,290▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Mount Vernon and Olympia are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Olympia is $691 (0.67%). Mount Vernon's median is +31.85% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $25,972,Olympia spans $38,204. Olympia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Vernon ($101,085 effective) pays 1.88% more than Olympia ($99,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,555/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,085)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,290)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Mount Vernon grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Mount Vernon, WA
$78,460 (2019) → $100,480 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$81,890 (2019) → $99,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Mount Vernon or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mount Vernon and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Mount Vernon to Olympia as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Mount Vernon vs Olympia?
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