Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Fremont, NE: $42,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Fremont, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,245 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fremont's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,169 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,735) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the law enforcement field as police officers in Fremont, Nebraska can expect a starting salary around $42,245, as indicated by projected figures for 2026. This entry-level pay provides a clear gap when compared to the median annual salary of $69,735 for officers in the city, emphasizing the financial growth potential that exists in the early years of a law enforcement career. Over time, new officers can anticipate incremental salary increases, transitioning from the entry-level threshold (P10) to the first quartile (P25) at $55,354 within approximately three to five years. Considering the competitive nature of the job market, Fremont currently presents a favorable environment for new graduates, with entry-level salaries reflecting an opportunity to grow in a stable and supportive municipality.
About the Fremont Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fremont
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 Fremont
Entry-level police officers in Fremont, NE typically start between $42,245 and $55,354 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,735 — 11.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Nebraska of $5,000 represents just 11.84% of the starting police officer pay ($42,245/year) in Fremont. 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 Fremont
- 1Research the Fremont market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $42,245 to $55,354, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fremont, 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 Fremont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fremont'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 Fremont is $61,789 ( 146.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,245, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,034.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,889
2025 BLS Actual
$40,991
2026 Current Est.
$42,245
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Fremont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,538 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Fremont, NE grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,889 in 2019 to $40,991 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,538. New graduates entering the Fremont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fremont 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 Fremont
In Fremont, municipal police departments are the primary employers seeking new graduates, typically requiring candidates to graduate from the state Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. This training, which lasts about six to nine months, is essential for those aiming for a successful law enforcement career. Immediate job opportunities also exist within university campus police and transit authorities, which allow new officers to build valuable experience. Further credentials, such as passing physical and psychological evaluations or pursuing an optional degree in criminal justice, can enhance starting pay and career prospects. Over the initial years, new officers should set realistic expectations for growth; while starting salaries may be lower at $42,245, the path to higher compensation exists, particularly within specialized law enforcement roles or federal employment—fields that offer pay scales significantly exceeding local averages. Through strategic career moves and skill development over the first few years, new officers in Fremont can capitalize on regional demand while navigating the balance between local entry-level pay and more lucrative opportunities in other jurisdictions.
More salary data for Fremont, NE:
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 Fremont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fremont 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