St. Louis vs Independence: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,481▲ | $62,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.29▲ | $29.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,025▲ | $39,931 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,310▲ | $48,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,242▲ | $78,781 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,320 | $96,445▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,950▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence 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 St. Louis spans $45,295,Independence spans $56,514. Independence 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. 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 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
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,445)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in St. Louis grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$62,140 (2019) → $73,240 (2025)
Independence, MO
$50,292 (2024) → $60,375 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: St. Louis or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in St. Louis vs Independence?
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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