Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Biloxi, MS: $31,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,299 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,522 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,105) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Beginning a career as a police officer in Biloxi, Mississippi in 2026 presents new graduates with a starting pay of approximately $31,299. This low entry-level salary highlights a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $50,105, indicating that there is significant potential for growth as officers gain experience and move through the ranks. Budding law enforcement professionals can expect to see their earnings increase as they progress from the entry-level phase to the 25th percentile salary of $38,531 within the early years of their career. The job market for new graduates in Biloxi appears promising, especially as the city strives to ensure law enforcement is adequately staffed and trained to meet community needs.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level police officers in Biloxi, MS typically start between $31,299 and $38,531 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,475 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,105 — 36.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Mississippi of $2,500 represents just 7.99% of the starting police officer pay ($31,299/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $31,299 to $38,531, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi'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 Biloxi is $41,475 ( 132.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,299, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,774.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,626
2025 BLS Actual
$30,370
2026 Current Est.
$31,299
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,626 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,691 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,927 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,257 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,626 in 2019 to $30,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,257. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
In the Biloxi region, various employers seek entry-level police officers, including municipal departments and specialized entities like campus or transit police departments. New hires typically gain initial experience through structured POST academy training, which lasts 6-9 months and reinforces foundational skills essential for modern law enforcement. While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, candidates with additional credentials—such as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice—are often more competitive for upward mobility within agencies. For those aiming to advance rapidly, obtaining specialty certifications can further enhance their employability and starting pay in Mississippi. Understanding the vast salary differences between urban and rural departments can guide new officers in developing realistic income expectations and career strategies within the first few years of service. In a diverse career landscape, focusing on gaining experience and skills will be crucial for maximizing salary potential as officers transition from entry-level positions toward more lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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