Oklahoma City vs Shawnee: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Shawnee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Shawnee, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,573▲ | $67,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.30▲ | $32.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,841▲ | $41,279 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,991▲ | $55,497 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,629▲ | $84,662 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,636▲ | $101,265 |
| Total Employed | 2,970▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Shawnee is $9,716 (14.32%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.23% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $60,795,Shawnee spans $59,986. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($85,803 effective) pays 12.41% more than Shawnee ($76,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,573/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,636)
- ✓Larger job market (2,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,803)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.6% growth in Shawnee over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$57,800 (2019) → $75,270 (2025)
Shawnee, OK
$44,925 (2024) → $65,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Shawnee, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Oklahoma City or Shawnee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oklahoma City and Shawnee?
Should I relocate from Oklahoma City to Shawnee as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Oklahoma City vs Shawnee?
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