Independence vs St. Louis: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Independence, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,222 | $75,481▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.92 | $36.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,931 | $50,025▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,910 | $62,310▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,781 | $82,242▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,445▲ | $95,320 |
| Total Employed | 30 | 5,950▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and St. Louis is $13,259 (21.31%). St. Louis's median is -3.90% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $56,514,St. Louis spans $45,295. Independence 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, St. Louis ($79,380 effective) pays 14.31% more than Independence ($69,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,445)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,481/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,380)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Independence grew 20.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Independence, MO
$50,292 (2024) → $60,375 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$62,140 (2019) → $73,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Independence or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Independence to St. Louis as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Independence vs St. Louis?
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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