Springfield vs St. Joseph: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,249▲ | $59,950 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.97▲ | $28.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,182▲ | $43,213 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,840▲ | $48,325 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,813 | $70,421▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,861 | $81,593▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,010▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Joseph.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Joseph is $299 (0.50%). 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 Springfield spans $35,679,St. Joseph spans $38,380. St. Joseph 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, St. Joseph ($69,401 effective) pays 2.04% more than Springfield ($68,013 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,249/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,593)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,401)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Springfield grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$40,750 (2019) → $58,460 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$49,030 (2019) → $58,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Springfield or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Joseph as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Springfield vs St. Joseph?
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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