Rochester vs Syracuse: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,763▲ | $77,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.04▲ | $37.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,888▲ | $57,992 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,886▲ | $61,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,144▲ | $82,283 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,534▲ | $100,844 |
| Total Employed | 1,800▲ | 1,410 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $18,087 (23.29%). Rochester's median is +21.93% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $45,646,Syracuse spans $42,852. Rochester 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, Rochester ($98,689 effective) pays 21.64% more than Syracuse ($81,131 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,763/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,534)
- ✓Larger job market (1,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,689)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Rochester grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$71,350 (2019) → $92,920 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$67,540 (2019) → $75,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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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