Tampa vs Winter Garden: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Tampa, FL and Winter Garden, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Winter Garden, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,027▲ | $68,042 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.51▲ | $32.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,207▲ | $46,159 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,144▲ | $55,025 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,123▲ | $86,739 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,646▲ | $100,717 |
| Total Employed | 5,190▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winter Garden.
The salary gap between Tampa and Winter Garden is $9,985 (14.67%). Tampa'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,Winter Garden spans $54,558. Winter Garden 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, Tampa ($77,339 effective) pays 14.57% more than Winter Garden ($67,502 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,027/year)
- ✓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 Winter Garden if…
- ✓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 9.5% growth in Winter Garden over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$59,470 (2019) → $75,710 (2025)
Winter Garden, FL
$60,279 (2024) → $66,022 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Winter Garden, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Tampa or Winter Garden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Winter Garden?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Winter Garden as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Tampa vs Winter Garden?
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