Payson vs Provo: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Payson, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Payson, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,562 | $78,624▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.33 | $37.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,072 | $61,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,514 | $62,949▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,447▲ | $82,664 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,547▲ | $93,723 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Payson.
The salary gap between Payson and Provo is $3,062 (4.05%). Provo's median is +0.10% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Payson spans $57,475,Provo spans $31,732. Payson 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, Provo ($80,039 effective) pays 3.91% 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 Payson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,547)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,624/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,039)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Payson grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.6% growth in Provo over the same period.
Payson, UT
$57,120 (2024) → $73,318 (2025)
Provo, UT
$51,690 (2019) → $76,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Payson, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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