Piscataway vs Trenton: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Piscataway, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Piscataway, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,973▲ | $71,276 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.25▲ | $34.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,458▲ | $50,458 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,351▲ | $62,413 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,166▲ | $100,947 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,113▲ | $115,664 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Piscataway, NJ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Piscataway and Trenton is $18,697 (26.23%). Piscataway's median is +14.55% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Piscataway spans $85,655,Trenton spans $65,206. Piscataway 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, Piscataway ($78,102 effective) pays 13.06% more than Trenton ($69,079 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Piscataway if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,973/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,113)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,102)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Piscataway grew -19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Piscataway, NJ
$108,827 (2024) → $87,302 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$71,660 (2019) → $69,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Piscataway, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Piscataway or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Piscataway and Trenton?
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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