Tampa vs Cape Coral: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Tampa, FL and Cape Coral, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,027 | $79,057▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.51 | $38.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,207▲ | $61,032 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,144▲ | $64,011 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,123▲ | $96,258 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,646▲ | $98,216 |
| Total Employed | 5,190▲ | 1,580 |
Verdict
Tampa and Cape Coral are closely matched on overall police officer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tampa and Cape Coral is $1,030 (1.32%). Cape Coral's median is +0.66% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $48,439,Cape Coral spans $37,184. Tampa 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, Tampa ($77,339 effective) pays 0.12% more than Cape Coral ($77,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,646)
- ✓Larger job market (5,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,339)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Cape Coral if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,057/year)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Tampa grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.0% growth in Cape Coral over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$59,470 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)
Cape Coral, FL
$51,480 (2019) → $76,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cape Coral, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Tampa or Cape Coral?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Cape Coral?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Cape Coral as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Tampa vs Cape Coral?
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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