Orlando vs Panama City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Orlando, FL and Panama City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Panama City, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,938▲ | $60,548 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22▲ | $29.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,954▲ | $46,882 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,517▲ | $56,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,913▲ | $67,195 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,216▲ | $89,569 |
| Total Employed | 5,400▲ | 440 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Panama City.
The salary gap between Orlando and Panama City is $4,390 (7.25%). Orlando's median is -17.32% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $48,262,Panama City spans $42,687. Orlando 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, Orlando ($64,030 effective) pays 2.89% more than Panama City ($62,231 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,938/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,216)
- ✓Larger job market (5,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,030)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Panama City if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Orlando grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Panama City over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$55,790 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
Panama City, FL
$42,270 (2019) → $58,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Panama City, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Orlando or Panama City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Panama City?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Panama City as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Orlando vs Panama City?
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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