Prescott Valley vs Surprise: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Prescott Valley, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prescott Valley, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,295▲ | $76,130 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.68▲ | $36.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,671▲ | $48,350 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,660▲ | $59,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,995 | $97,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,403 | $117,505▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Prescott Valley, AZ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Prescott Valley and Surprise is $165 (0.22%). Prescott Valley's median is -2.86% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prescott Valley spans $33,732,Surprise spans $69,155. Surprise 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, Prescott Valley ($77,650 effective) pays 0.47% more than Surprise ($77,289 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prescott Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,295/year)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,650)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,505)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Prescott Valley grew -1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Prescott Valley, AZ
$75,220 (2024) → $74,030 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$66,835 (2024) → $73,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott Valley, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Prescott Valley or Surprise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prescott Valley and Surprise?
Should I relocate from Prescott Valley to Surprise as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Prescott Valley vs Surprise?
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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