San Antonio vs Wichita Falls: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between San Antonio, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | Wichita Falls, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,120▲ | $75,347 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.60▲ | $36.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,167▲ | $56,631 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,248 | $64,041▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,336 | $94,176▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,618▲ | $94,176 |
| Total Employed | 5,130▲ | 370 |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita Falls.
The salary gap between San Antonio and Wichita Falls is $773 (1.03%). San Antonio's median is -3.08% 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,Wichita Falls spans $37,545. San Antonio 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, Wichita Falls ($84,174 effective) pays 4.74% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,120/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,618)
- ✓Larger job market (5,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita Falls if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,174)
- ✓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 23.8% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$58,050 (2019) → $73,860 (2025)
Wichita Falls, TX
$59,040 (2019) → $73,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: San Antonio or Wichita Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and Wichita Falls?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to Wichita Falls as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in San Antonio vs Wichita Falls?
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