Phoenix vs Yuma: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,653▲ | $67,515 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.14▲ | $32.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,525▲ | $56,570 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,387▲ | $63,083 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,576▲ | $77,079 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,576▲ | $80,407 |
| Total Employed | 7,860▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Yuma.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Yuma is $20,138 (29.83%). Phoenix's median is +11.60% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $35,051,Yuma spans $23,837. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($84,840 effective) pays 16.49% more than Yuma ($72,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,653/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,576)
- ✓Larger job market (7,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Yuma if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Phoenix grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$71,660 (2019) → $85,050 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$52,850 (2019) → $65,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Phoenix or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Yuma as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Phoenix vs Yuma?
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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