San Antonio vs El Paso: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between San Antonio, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,120 | $78,738▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.60 | $37.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,167▲ | $48,603 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,248▲ | $61,176 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,336 | $98,494▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,618 | $98,494▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,130▲ | 1,700 |
Verdict
El Paso, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and El Paso is $2,618 (3.44%). El Paso's median is +0.25% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $38,451,El Paso spans $49,891. El Paso 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, El Paso ($87,572 effective) pays 8.97% more than San Antonio ($80,367 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,738/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,494)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,572)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in San Antonio grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in El Paso over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$58,050 (2019) → $73,860 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$64,260 (2019) → $76,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: San Antonio or El Paso?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and El Paso?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to El Paso as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in San Antonio vs El Paso?
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