Roanoke vs Sterling: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,733▲ | $58,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.68▲ | $28.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,077▲ | $38,805 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,714▲ | $45,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,223▲ | $73,964 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,160 | $85,712▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Sterling is $3,431 (5.88%). Roanoke's median is -21.40% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $31,083,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, Roanoke ($65,941 effective) pays 16.72% 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 Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,733/year)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,941)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,712)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Roanoke grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.9% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$47,170 (2019) → $59,900 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$61,392 (2024) → $56,571 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Roanoke or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Sterling as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Roanoke 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