Police Officer Salary in Syracuse, NY: $77,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Syracuse, NY earns a median $77,676/year (≈ $37.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Syracuse's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $81,131 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the salary for police officers in Syracuse, NY, reaches a median of $77,676, a figure slightly trailing the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers in this area spans from $57,992 at the 10th percentile to $100,844 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide disparity based on experience, tenure, and the specific roles within various law enforcement agencies. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, estimating future earnings and reflecting potential economic conditions. Given the position's critical role in community safety, this compensation structure is designed to attract and retain qualified professionals while also supporting their long-term financial security.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,992 | $27.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,424 | $29.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,676 | $37.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,283 | $39.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,844 | $48.48 |
Median Salary Position
1.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
In Syracuse, NY, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,852 (2026 est.). At $77,676, the local median is 1.1% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Syracuse: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Syracuse Police Officer Pay Compares
Syracuse median: $77,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Syracuse Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $81,937 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -1.10% less |
Police Officers in Syracuse, NY earn a median of $77,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.20% below the New York state average of $81,937.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Syracuse has a cost of living 4.26% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Syracuse, NY has a cost-of-living index of 95.742 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $77,676 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,131 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.45% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,540
2025 BLS Actual
$75,370
2026 Current Est.
$77,676
2019–2027 Growth
+18.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,053 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Syracuse metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 11.6% from $67,540 (2019) to $75,370 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,053 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,513 (18.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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) | $57,992 – $61,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,424 – $77,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,676 – $82,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,283 – $100,844 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Syracuse
With 1,410 police officers currently serving in Syracuse, the local job market appears stable amid a cost-of-living index of 95.742, which suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. While municipal police departments typically offer competitive wages, federal law enforcement agencies tend to top the pay scale, providing opportunities for career advancement and significant salary increases due to added benefits and overtime potential. Salary variability is influenced by factors such as agency type, union contracts, and shift differentials that can boost overall compensation. To maximize earnings potential in Syracuse, officers should consider pursuing special unit assignments or investing in higher education, which can lead to increased pay prospects through educational incentives. The pension multiplier for retirement also plays a crucial role, enhancing long-term financial rewards for those committed to maintaining their service with the municipality.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
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 $75,370 for police officersin the Syracuse 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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