Roanoke vs Waynesboro: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,733▲ | $57,728 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.68▲ | $27.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,077▲ | $37,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,714▲ | $45,017 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,223▲ | $70,225 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,160 | $84,440▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Waynesboro is $4,005 (6.94%). 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,Waynesboro spans $47,400. Waynesboro 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 17.88% more than Waynesboro ($55,938 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 Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,440)
- ✓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 Waynesboro over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$47,170 (2019) → $59,900 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$60,787 (2024) → $56,014 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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