Philadelphia vs Reading: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,321▲ | $89,724 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.39▲ | $43.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,724 | $60,465▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,852▲ | $66,432 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,885▲ | $101,524 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,909▲ | $117,798 |
| Total Employed | 13,160▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $2,597 (2.89%). Philadelphia's median is +17.54% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $68,185,Reading spans $57,333. Philadelphia 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, Reading ($92,442 effective) pays 2.69% more than Philadelphia ($90,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,909)
- ✓Larger job market (13,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,442)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Philadelphia grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$73,720 (2019) → $89,580 (2025)
Reading, PA
$67,330 (2019) → $87,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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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