Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Derby, KS: $44,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,536 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,402) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, new graduates starting their careers as police officers can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $44,536 in 2026. Given the median annual salary for police officers in Derby is projected at $70,402, there is a significant gap to bridge as one navigates through the early years of their career. Entry-level officers will typically experience growth in their pay mirroring increased responsibilities and tenure, advancing to around $54,552 as they gain experience. Overall, Derby is currently a viable market for new police graduates, providing opportunities to enter a profession that offers steady salary growth and the potential to eventually reach the median salary within three to five years.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level police officers in Derby, KS typically start between $44,536 and $54,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,375 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,402 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Kansas of $4,000 represents just 8.98% of the starting police officer pay ($44,536/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $44,536 to $54,552, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average 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 Derby is $58,375 ( 131.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,536, experienced hygienists can earn up to $102,911.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,618
2025 BLS Actual
$43,214
2026 Current Est.
$44,536
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,618 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,946 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,892 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,214 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,899 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,618 in 2019 to $43,214 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,899. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
In terms of employment opportunities, Derby municipal departments are the primary recruiters for seasonal and permanent entry-level positions, utilizing structured pathways through the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. State police and highway patrol recruit new officers via state academies, while federal agencies like the FBI generally seek experienced applicants, requiring a bachelor's degree and additional work experience. New graduates can enhance their salary prospects by obtaining their POST certification, which typically takes 6-9 months combined with the successful completion of physical fitness, psychological evaluations, and thorough background checks. Additionally, pursuing a degree in criminal justice may open doors to federal and urban law enforcement roles, which generally offer better compensation packages. Given the variations in municipal pay across the state, entry-level officers starting in Derby can realistically expect to see continual increases in their salaries during the first few critical years as they build their skills and experience in a structured environment conducive to advancement.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for police officers in Derby in 2026?
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Is law enforcement school worth it in Derby?
What do new police officers make right out of school in Derby?
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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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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