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Police Officer Salary in Cincinnati, OH β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Cincinnati's cost of living (index: 91). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Cincinnati β€” Key Numbers

$65,775
Median Salary
$49,895
25th Percentile
$88,834
75th Percentile
$113,477
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median-9.0%
Cincinnati median household income$65,600
vs. City household income+0.3%

Cost of Living in Cincinnati

Cost of Living Index
91(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$952/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.4%
Annual rent cost$11,424
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary3.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.6 yrs

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

Job Market in Cincinnati

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,280,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
35.6
Median Age

Cincinnati has a metro population of 2,280,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Cincinnati, OH?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Cincinnati is $65,775 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Cincinnati's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $49,895 (25th percentile) to $88,834 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $113,477.

Is Cincinnati affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $65,775 annual salary, a Police Officer in Cincinnati would spend approximately 17.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($952/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Cincinnati relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 3.6Γ— the annual salary.

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

Cincinnati's median household income is $65,600. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $65,775 earns 0.3% more than the typical Cincinnati household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.