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Police Officer Salary in Newark, NJ β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Newark's cost of living (index: 140). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Newark β€” Key Numbers

$101,192
Median Salary
$76,762
25th Percentile
$136,668
75th Percentile
$174,580
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median+40.0%
Newark median household income$37,200
vs. City household income+172.0%

Cost of Living in Newark

Cost of Living Index
140(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,800/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio21.3%
Annual rent cost$21,600
Median Home Price$395,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$79,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 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 Newark

6.1%
Unemployment Rate
310,000
Metro Population
33 min
Avg Commute
33.4
Median Age

Newark has a metro population of 310,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 6.1% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Police Officer Salary β€” Other New Jersey Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Newark, NJ?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Newark is $101,192 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Newark's cost of living index (140). The typical salary range runs from $76,762 (25th percentile) to $136,668 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $174,580.

Is Newark affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $101,192 annual salary, a Police Officer in Newark would spend approximately 21.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,800/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Newark relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $395,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

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

Newark's median household income is $37,200. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $101,192 earns 172.0% more than the typical Newark 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.