Norfolk vs Roanoke: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Norfolk, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,435▲ | $61,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.02▲ | $29.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,212 | $49,077▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,376 | $56,714▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,917▲ | $78,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,774▲ | $80,160 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Roanoke is $702 (1.14%). Norfolk's median is -20.51% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $60,562,Roanoke spans $31,083. Norfolk 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, Roanoke ($65,941 effective) pays 9.00% more than Norfolk ($60,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,435/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,774)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,941)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Norfolk grew -9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$66,887 (2024) → $60,581 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$47,170 (2019) → $59,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Norfolk or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Roanoke as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Norfolk vs Roanoke?
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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