Jackson vs Starkville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Jackson, MS and Starkville, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Starkville, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,664 | $65,455▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.36 | $31.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,019 | $39,817▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,750 | $53,584▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,827 | $81,666▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,721 | $93,729▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Starkville, MS offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Starkville is $14,791 (29.19%). Starkville's median is -16.66% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $29,702,Starkville spans $53,912. Starkville 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, Starkville ($76,377 effective) pays 34.24% more than Jackson ($56,895 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Starkville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,455/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,729)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,377)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Jackson grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 81.5% growth in Starkville over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$36,660 (2019) → $49,160 (2025)
Starkville, MS
$35,002 (2024) → $63,512 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Starkville, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Jackson or Starkville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Starkville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Starkville as a police officer?
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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