Branson vs Kansas City: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Branson, MO and Kansas City, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Branson, MO | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,658 | $64,887▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.24 | $31.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,861 | $48,562▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,140 | $57,384▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,722 | $85,457▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,660 | $98,855▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 4,820▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, MO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Branson.
The salary gap between Branson and Kansas City is $8,229 (14.52%). Kansas City's median is -17.39% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Branson spans $41,799,Kansas City spans $50,293. Kansas City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kansas City ($70,116 effective) pays 10.88% more than Branson ($63,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Branson if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,887/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,855)
- ✓Larger job market (4,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,116)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Branson grew 20.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Kansas City over the same period.
Branson, MO
$45,795 (2024) → $54,976 (2025)
Kansas City, MO
$52,230 (2019) → $62,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Branson, MO
Kansas City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Branson or Kansas City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Branson and Kansas City?
Should I relocate from Branson to Kansas City as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Branson vs Kansas City?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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