Police Officer Salary in Elyria, OH: $71,795 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Elyria, OH earns a median $71,795/year (≈ $34.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Elyria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $79,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elyria, Ohio, the projected median annual salary for police officers in 2026 stands at $71,795. This compensation is notably lower than the national median of $78,542, indicating a regional salary disparity. The salary range for officers in Elyria varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $45,130 and the highest-paid officers reaching around $106,917. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adapted for regional cost factors, have broader implications when considering retirement benefits, especially with the pension multiplier that can enhance long-term financial security. Given Elyria's modest job market with only 14 police officers employed, understanding both current pay scales and future earning potential is vital for those entering the force.
About the Elyria Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,130 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,597 | $26.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,795 | $34.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,342 | $43.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,917 | $51.41 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elyria
In Elyria, OH, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,787 (2026 est.). At $71,795, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elyria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elyria Police Officer Pay Compares
Elyria median: $71,795/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elyria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $74,322 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -8.59% less |
Police Officers in Elyria, OH earn a median of $71,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 3.40% below the Ohio state average of $74,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elyria has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elyria, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $71,795 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,725
2025 BLS Actual
$69,663
2026 Current Est.
$71,795
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Elyria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,138 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,663 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,795 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,992 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elyria metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $57,725 (2019) to $69,663 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,992 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,267 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elyria 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) | $45,130 – $55,597 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,597 – $71,795 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,795 – $91,342 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,342 – $106,917 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Elyria
While the salary for a police officer in Elyria offers a competitive entry point, the cost of living is also an essential factor in evaluating overall compensation. Elyria's cost-of-living index sits at 90.7, indicating that it is slightly below the national average. In practical terms, this means that officers in the region have a relatively higher purchasing power compared to other areas with similar pay scales. Among the local employers, city and county agencies provide the most robust salaries, although state police and federal agencies typically offer better pay due to larger budgets and resources. The pay variability often reflects the type of law enforcement agency, opportunities for overtime, educational incentives, and specific roles within the department. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and special assignments can effectively enhance salaries while also contributing to career advancement.
More salary data for Elyria, OH:
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 $69,663 for police officersin the Elyria 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 Elyria 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