Roswell vs Santa Fe: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Roswell, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roswell, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,734 | $76,924▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.97 | $36.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,377 | $55,735▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,890 | $64,588▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,557 | $94,661▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,393▲ | $100,061 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 310▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roswell.
The salary gap between Roswell and Santa Fe is $4,190 (5.76%). Santa Fe's median is -2.06% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roswell spans $60,016,Santa Fe spans $44,326. Roswell 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, Santa Fe ($77,884 effective) pays 1.08% more than Roswell ($77,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roswell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,393)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,924/year)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,884)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Roswell grew 22.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Roswell, NM
$57,415 (2024) → $70,574 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$55,590 (2019) → $74,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roswell, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Roswell or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roswell and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Roswell to Santa Fe 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