Police Officer Salary in Union City, NJ: $89,236 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Union City, NJ earns a median $89,236/year (≈ $42.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Union City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $77,462 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in Union City, NJ, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $89,236, which is significantly higher than the national median of $78,542, reflecting a competitive local job market for law enforcement. The salary range for officers will span from $58,982 at the 10th percentile to $136,502 at the 90th percentile. These projections stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parity, indicating that the job market in Union City is robust, particularly when compared to other regions. As such, those pursuing a career as a police officer here can expect favorable compensation relative to national standards, especially in a city that balances the demands of urban policing with the community's unique character.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,982 | $28.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,270 | $34.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,236 | $42.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,221 | $54.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,502 | $65.63 |
Median Salary Position
13.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, NJ, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,520 (2026 est.). At $89,236, the local median is 13.62% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union City Police Officer Pay Compares
Union City median: $89,236/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $90,503 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +13.62% more |
Police Officers in Union City, NJ earn a median of $89,236 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.62% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $90,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,236 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,462 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,748
2025 BLS Actual
$86,586
2026 Current Est.
$89,236
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,463 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,747 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,586 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,236 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,966 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $71,748 (2019) to $86,586 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,966 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,218 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $58,982 – $71,270 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,270 – $89,236 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,236 – $114,221 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,221 – $136,502 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Union City
The local police force in Union City comprises 17 employed officers, underscoring a concentrated yet pivotal job market. With a cost of living index at 115.2, the purchasing power for officers must take into account the higher expenses associated with living in the area. Municipal police departments typically offer the most competitive salaries relative to county and state counterparts, with federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and DEA presenting even higher pay scales for specialized roles. Variability in pay can arise from numerous factors such as specific department assignments, overtime structures, and shift differentials. Officers seeking to maximize their earnings in Union City should explore opportunities for promotional positions within specialized units, such as SWAT or K-9, and consider ongoing education incentives. Coupling these strategies with favorable pension plans can further enhance long-term financial benefits in this vibrant urban landscape.
More salary data for Union City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,586 for police officersin the Union City metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Union City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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