Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Moore, OK: $41,824 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Moore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,824 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,820) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering law enforcement, the starting police officer salary in Moore, OK, is projected to be around $41,824 in 2026. This entry-level wage is significantly lower than the city median of $69,820, indicating a notable gap that new graduates should prepare for as they start their careers. Over the initial 3-5 years, there is potential for salary increases as officers gain experience, with projections suggesting a movement from the P10 salary toward the P25 bracket of $52,734. Given Moore's current job market and cost of living index at 88.9, which is below the national average, it presents a relatively viable opportunity for new grads looking to establish themselves in public service while also paving the way for future salary growth.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moore
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 Moore
Entry-level police officers in Moore, OK typically start between $41,824 and $52,734 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,476 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,820 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Oklahoma of $4,000 represents just 9.56% of the starting police officer pay ($41,824/year) in Moore. 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 Moore
- 1Research the Moore market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $41,824 to $52,734, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moore, 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 Moore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moore'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 Moore is $62,476 ( 149.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,824, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,300.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,570
2025 BLS Actual
$40,582
2026 Current Est.
$41,824
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,329 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,645 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,582 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,824 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,104 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Moore, OK grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,570 in 2019 to $40,582 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,104. New graduates entering the Moore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
In Moore, several key employers actively recruit new graduates, including local municipal departments that rely on structured POST academy training, as well as state police and highway patrol entities. While federal law enforcement agencies, like the FBI, typically seek experienced candidates, there are opportunities for entry-level roles within university campus security and transit police departments. For starting salaries to improve, candidates should consider pursuing credentials beyond the high school diploma, such as the state POST academy certification and optional bachelor's degrees in criminal justice. Additionally, specialized training and certifications, like those from the FBI National Academy or SWAT, can significantly enhance appeal. Realistically, new police officers in Moore can expect gradual salary progression in their first three years, enabling them to close the gap towards industry standards seen in urban settings compared to rural ones. Staying engaged with labor organizations like the FOP can also provide essential support on pay negotiations and career advancements within this evolving field.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
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 Moore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moore 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