Port Orange vs Tampa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Port Orange, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Port Orange, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,893 | $78,027▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.60 | $37.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,049 | $61,207▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,209 | $66,144▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,386 | $98,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,367 | $109,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 5,190▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Orange.
The salary gap between Port Orange and Tampa is $8,134 (11.64%). Tampa's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Port Orange spans $66,318,Tampa spans $48,439. Port Orange 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, Tampa ($77,339 effective) pays 11.54% more than Port Orange ($69,338 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Port Orange if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,027/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,646)
- ✓Larger job market (5,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,339)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Port Orange grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.3% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Port Orange, FL
$61,919 (2024) → $67,818 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$59,470 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Port Orange, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Port Orange or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Port Orange and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Port Orange to Tampa as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Port Orange vs Tampa?
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