Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,736▲ | $81,343 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.21▲ | $39.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,014▲ | $50,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,608▲ | $62,823 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,586 | $102,580▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,923 | $118,576▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,080▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre is $4,393 (5.40%). Pittsburgh's median is +9.16% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $58,909,Wilkes-Barre spans $67,742. Wilkes-Barre has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($90,562 effective) pays 8.44% more than Wilkes-Barre ($83,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,736/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,562)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,576)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Pittsburgh grew 25.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$66,550 (2019) → $83,190 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$71,887 (2024) → $78,928 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Pittsburgh or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Wilkes-Barre as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Pittsburgh vs Wilkes-Barre?
Related Comparisons
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