Trenton vs Union City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Trenton, NJ and Union City, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Trenton, NJ | Union City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,276 | $89,236▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.27 | $42.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,458 | $58,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,413 | $71,270▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,947 | $114,221▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,664 | $136,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Union City, NJ offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Trenton and Union City is $17,960 (25.20%). Union City's median is +13.62% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Trenton spans $65,206,Union City spans $77,520. Union City 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, Union City ($77,462 effective) pays 12.13% more than Trenton ($69,079 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Union City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,236/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,502)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,462)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Trenton grew -3.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Union City over the same period.
Trenton, NJ
$71,660 (2019) → $69,160 (2025)
Union City, NJ
$107,934 (2024) → $86,586 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Trenton, NJ
Union City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Trenton or Union City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Trenton and Union City?
Should I relocate from Trenton to Union City as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Trenton vs Union City?
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