How does a Police Officer's salary in Dayton compare to the rest of Ohio?

Dayton's cost of living index is 83 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $59,992 earns $5,392 more than the median household income in Dayton ($54,600).

Police Officer Salary in Dayton, OH — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Dayton's cost of living (index: 83). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Dayton — Key Numbers

$59,992

Median Salary

$45,509

25th Percentile

$81,025

75th Percentile

$103,501

90th Percentile

National median (Police Officer)$72,280

vs. National median-17.0%

Dayton median household income$54,600

vs. City household income+9.9%

Cost of Living in Dayton

Cost of Living Index

83(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$875/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio17.5%

Annual rent cost$10,500

Median Home Price$170,000

Home Price / Salary2.8×

20% Down Payment$34,000

Years to save (20% rate)2.8 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 Dayton

4.7%

Unemployment Rate

820,000

Metro Population

22 min

Avg Commute

36.4

Median Age

Dayton has a metro population of 820,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.7% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Dayton

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Cost of Living — Dayton

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Police Officer Salary in Ohio

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Dayton

Physician$190,319 Chief Executive Officer$174,300 Dentist$145,673 IT Manager$140,693 Marketing Manager$130,825 Lawyer$120,981

Police Officer Salary — Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH$65,052 Cleveland, OH$61,438 Cincinnati, OH$65,775 Akron, OH$59,992 Toledo, OH$57,824

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Dayton is $59,992 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Dayton's cost of living index (83). The typical salary range runs from $45,509 (25th percentile) to $81,025 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $103,501.

Is Dayton affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $59,992 annual salary, a Police Officer in Dayton would spend approximately 17.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($875/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Dayton relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $170,000 is 2.8× the annual salary.

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

Dayton's median household income is $54,600. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $59,992 earns 9.9% more than the typical Dayton household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Police Officer — National Police Officer in Ohio 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.