San Juan vs Ponce: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between San Juan, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Juan, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,903▲ | $31,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.55▲ | $15.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,598▲ | $24,961 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,370▲ | $29,228 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,623▲ | $31,773 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,530▲ | $31,773 |
| Total Employed | 10,770▲ | 330 |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between San Juan and Ponce is $15,130 (47.62%). San Juan's median is -40.28% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Juan spans $19,932,Ponce spans $6,812. San Juan has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,903/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,530)
- ✓Larger job market (10,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in San Juan grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Ponce over the same period.
San Juan, PR
$34,440 (2019) → $45,510 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$22,550 (2019) → $30,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: San Juan or Ponce?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Juan and Ponce?
Should I relocate from San Juan to Ponce as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in San Juan vs Ponce?
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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