Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Hurst, TX: $45,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,326 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,687) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting police officer salary in Hurst, TX, is projected to be around $45,433, which may feel modest in comparison to the city's median annual salary of $74,687. For new graduates entering the force, this starting point sets a foundation for growth through their early career. It’s realistic to anticipate progress as they gain experience, moving toward the P25 figure of $61,083 within a few years, narrowing the income gap significantly. This trajectory reflects a promising market for newcomers, especially with Hurst's cost of living index at 96, which is below the national average. With a 3.06% annual growth rate expected, Hurst offers a stable pathway for early-career officers committed to building a long-term career.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level police officers in Hurst, TX typically start between $45,433 and $61,083 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,607 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,687 — 4.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Texas of $6,000 represents just 13.21% of the starting police officer pay ($45,433/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $45,433 to $61,083, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $61,607 ( 135.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,040.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,295
2025 BLS Actual
$44,084
2026 Current Est.
$45,433
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,295 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,649 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,635 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,084 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,823 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,295 in 2019 to $44,084 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,823. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Several employers in Hurst actively seek new graduates, primarily through municipal departments that recruit candidates who have successfully completed a state Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy, typically lasting six to nine months. While federal law enforcement predominantly looks for seasoned candidates, local and state departments often provide excellent opportunities for recent entrants. Enhancing credentials, such as acquiring additional certifications or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, can significantly influence starting police officer pay in TX. For those in their first one to three years, realistic salary expectations range from modest increases to around $61,083 as officers build experience. Given the distinct pay variances across the state—with urban areas offering higher wages compared to rural locales—the potential for advancement becomes clearer. Staying engaged with labor organizations like the FOP or NLEA can also provide essential support and career resources as newcomers navigate their path in law enforcement.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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