Orlando vs Wildwood: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Orlando, FL and Wildwood, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Wildwood, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,938 | $75,213▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.22 | $36.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,954 | $58,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,517 | $64,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,913▲ | $77,779 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,216▲ | $92,713 |
| Total Employed | 5,400▲ | 220 |
Verdict
Orlando and Wildwood are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Orlando and Wildwood is $10,275 (15.82%). Wildwood's median is -4.24% 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,Wildwood spans $33,814. 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, Wildwood ($88,047 effective) pays 37.51% more than Orlando ($64,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,216)
- ✓Larger job market (5,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Wildwood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,213/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,047)
- ✓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 -1.4% growth in Wildwood over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$55,790 (2019) → $63,010 (2025)
Wildwood, FL
$73,990 (2024) → $72,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Wildwood, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Orlando or Wildwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Wildwood?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Wildwood as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Orlando vs Wildwood?
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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