How does a Police Officer's salary in Austin compare to the rest of Texas?

Austin's cost of living index is 121 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $87,459 earns $3,659 more than the median household income in Austin ($83,800).

Police Officer Salary in Austin, TX — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Austin's cost of living (index: 121). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Austin — Key Numbers

$87,459

Median Salary

$66,344

25th Percentile

$118,120

75th Percentile

$150,887

90th Percentile

National median (Police Officer)$72,280

vs. National median+21.0%

Austin median household income$83,800

vs. City household income+4.4%

Cost of Living in Austin

Cost of Living Index

121(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio17.8%

Annual rent cost$15,600

Median Home Price$500,000

Home Price / Salary5.7×

20% Down Payment$100,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Austin

3.1%

Unemployment Rate

2,300,000

Metro Population

27 min

Avg Commute

Median Age

Austin has a metro population of 2,300,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.1% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Austin

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Cost of Living — Austin

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Police Officer Salary in Texas

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Austin

Physician$277,453 Chief Executive Officer$254,100 Dentist$212,367 IT Manager$205,107 Marketing Manager$190,720 Lawyer$176,370

Police Officer Salary — Other Texas Cities

Houston, TX$73,003 Dallas, TX$75,894 San Antonio, TX$66,498 Fort Worth, TX$71,557 El Paso, TX$60,715

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Austin, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Austin is $87,459 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Austin's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $66,344 (25th percentile) to $118,120 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $150,887.

Is Austin affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $87,459 annual salary, a Police Officer in Austin would spend approximately 17.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Austin relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $500,000 is 5.7× the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Austin's overall income?

Austin's median household income is $83,800. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $87,459 earns 4.4% more than the typical Austin household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Police Officer — National Police Officer in Texas All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.