Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Quincy, IL: $48,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,275 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,717 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,670) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, the starting police officer salary for new graduates is projected to be $48,275 in 2026. Though this figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $79,670, which suggests that entry-level officers can expect a crucial ramp-up in earnings as they gain experience. Over their first few years, recruits can anticipate salaries rising from the entry-level pay through the $63,247 mark, and eventually approaching the median salary. With a healthy projected annual growth rate of 3.06%, Quincy presents a promising landscape for new police officer graduates seeking a career in law enforcement, particularly if they are open to the training and requirements necessary to advance in their roles.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Entry-level police officers in Quincy, IL typically start between $48,275 and $63,247 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,593 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,670 — 1.44% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Illinois of $8,000 represents just 16.57% of the starting police officer pay ($48,275/year) in Quincy. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates cover police academy tuition (often paid by hiring department), physical/psychological testing fees, and optional associate degree in criminal justice. Many large departments sponsor recruits and pay them during academy training.
PO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $48,275 to $63,247, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the law enforcement field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Police Officer Compensation Range
The police officer wage spread in Quincy is $70,593 ( 146.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,275, experienced hygienists can earn up to $118,868.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,440
2025 BLS Actual
$46,842
2026 Current Est.
$48,275
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,753 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,440 in 2019 to $46,842 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,753. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your law enforcement Career in Quincy
Law enforcement agencies in Quincy, including local municipal departments, actively recruit from candidates who have successfully completed the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. This structured path is essential for new grads looking to secure positions with a firm foundation. While federal law enforcement positions, such as FBI special agents, require advanced credentials and prior experience, the municipal and state police forces offer significant opportunities for recent graduates. Emphasizing credential enhancement—such as obtaining specialty certifications or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice—can further boost starting pay in Illinois. In the initial years, salaries may vary based on experience and role, but with diligent performance and continued education, it's realistic for officers in Quincy to see notable raises within their first few years as they transition from entry-level roles toward more senior positions.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new law enforcement graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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