Branson vs Springfield: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Branson, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Branson, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,658 | $60,249▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.24 | $28.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,861 | $45,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,140 | $48,840▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,722▲ | $69,813 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,660 | $80,861▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Branson.
The salary gap between Branson and Springfield is $3,591 (6.34%). Springfield's median is -23.29% 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,Springfield spans $35,679. Branson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($68,013 effective) pays 7.56% 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 Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,249/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,861)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,013)
- ✓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 43.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Branson, MO
$45,795 (2024) → $54,976 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$40,750 (2019) → $58,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Branson, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Branson or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Branson and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Branson to Springfield as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Branson vs Springfield?
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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