Puyallup vs Seattle: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Puyallup, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Puyallup, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,498 | $118,643▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.36 | $57.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,649 | $97,175▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,789 | $104,936▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,076 | $130,835▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,422▲ | $140,275 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 4,520▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Puyallup.
The salary gap between Puyallup and Seattle is $20,145 (20.45%). Seattle's median is +51.06% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Puyallup spans $78,773,Seattle spans $43,100. Puyallup 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, Seattle ($106,758 effective) pays 16.41% more than Puyallup ($91,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Puyallup if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,422)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,643/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,758)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Puyallup grew 5.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Puyallup, WA
$90,500 (2024) → $95,573 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$87,220 (2019) → $115,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Puyallup, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Puyallup or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Puyallup and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Puyallup to Seattle as a police officer?
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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