Tempe vs Tucson: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Tempe, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tempe, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,618 | $79,325▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.83 | $38.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,419 | $59,764▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,415 | $65,577▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,201▲ | $90,044 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,281▲ | $103,586 |
| Total Employed | 43 | 1,600▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tempe.
The salary gap between Tempe and Tucson is $2,707 (3.53%). Tucson's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tempe spans $64,862,Tucson spans $43,822. Tempe 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, Tucson ($81,866 effective) pays 5.25% more than Tempe ($77,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,281)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,325/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,866)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Tempe grew 10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Tempe, AZ
$67,263 (2024) → $74,343 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$62,040 (2020) → $76,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Tempe or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tempe and Tucson?
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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