Omaha vs Scottsbluff: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Omaha, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Omaha, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,737▲ | $68,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.78▲ | $33.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,175▲ | $43,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,163▲ | $57,365 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,123▲ | $84,667 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,123▲ | $95,890 |
| Total Employed | 1,640▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Omaha and Scottsbluff is $13,770 (19.97%). Omaha's median is +5.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Omaha spans $32,948,Scottsbluff spans $52,504. Scottsbluff 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, Omaha ($90,019 effective) pays 19.43% more than Scottsbluff ($75,374 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,123)
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,019)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Omaha grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Omaha, NE
$68,770 (2019) → $80,280 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$54,442 (2024) → $66,919 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Omaha or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Omaha and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Omaha to Scottsbluff as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Omaha vs Scottsbluff?
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