Richmond vs Sterling: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Richmond, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,639▲ | $58,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.07▲ | $28.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,900▲ | $38,805 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,620▲ | $45,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,748▲ | $73,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,164▲ | $85,712 |
| Total Employed | 3,410▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Richmond and Sterling is $6,337 (10.87%). Richmond's median is -17.70% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $44,264,Sterling spans $46,907. Sterling 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, Richmond ($66,054 effective) pays 16.92% more than Sterling ($56,494 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,164)
- ✓Larger job market (3,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,054)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Richmond grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.9% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$53,600 (2019) → $62,720 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$61,392 (2024) → $56,571 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Richmond or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Sterling as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Richmond vs Sterling?
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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