San Antonio vs Waco: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between San Antonio, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,120 | $78,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.60 | $37.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,167▲ | $57,868 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,248▲ | $60,166 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,336 | $96,804▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,618 | $97,773▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,130▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Waco, 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 Waco is $2,051 (2.69%). Waco's median is -0.47% 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,Waco spans $39,905. Waco 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, Waco ($84,464 effective) pays 5.10% 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 Waco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,773)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,464)
- ✓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 25.5% growth in Waco over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$58,050 (2019) → $73,860 (2025)
Waco, TX
$60,420 (2019) → $75,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: San Antonio or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Waco?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Waco as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in San Antonio vs Waco?
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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