Ogden vs Payson: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Ogden, UT and Payson, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ogden, UT | Payson, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,459▲ | $75,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.68▲ | $36.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,000▲ | $47,072 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,402▲ | $62,514 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,757 | $92,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,031 | $104,547▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Ogden, UT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Payson.
The salary gap between Ogden and Payson is $4,897 (6.48%). Ogden's median is +2.44% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ogden spans $33,031,Payson spans $57,475. Payson 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, Ogden ($80,179 effective) pays 4.09% more than Payson ($77,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ogden if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,459/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,179)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Payson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,547)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Ogden grew 50.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Payson over the same period.
Ogden, UT
$51,920 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
Payson, UT
$57,120 (2024) → $73,318 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Payson, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Ogden or Payson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ogden and Payson?
Should I relocate from Ogden to Payson as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Ogden vs Payson?
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