Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Holladay, UT: $50,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Holladay, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,971 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holladay's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,958 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,678) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking their first role as a police officer in Holladay, Utah, the starting pay reflects the city's growing emphasis on competitive salaries. In 2026, entry-level positions are projected to offer an annual salary beginning at about $50,971. While this is significantly below the city's overall median police officer salary of $79,678, there is a clear trajectory for growth within the profession. New officers can anticipate moving from the lower ranges of entry pay towards the 25th percentile mark of $62,159 within a few years, which underscores the potential for salary advancement in the early stages of their careers. With the BLS projecting a 3.06% annual growth rate for this occupation, Holladay is positioned as a viable market for new graduates looking to gain practical experience and build their careers in law enforcement.
About the Holladay Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holladay
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 Holladay
Entry-level police officers in Holladay, UT typically start between $50,971 and $62,159 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,166 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,678 — 1.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Utah of $5,000 represents just 9.81% of the starting police officer pay ($50,971/year) in Holladay. 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 Holladay
- 1Research the Holladay market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $50,971 to $62,159, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holladay, 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 Holladay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holladay'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 Holladay is $66,166 ( 129.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,971, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,137.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,475
2025 BLS Actual
$49,458
2026 Current Est.
$50,971
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Holladay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,475 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,223 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,053 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,531 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Holladay, UT grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,475 in 2019 to $49,458 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,531. New graduates entering the Holladay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holladay 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 Holladay
Several agencies in Holladay hire new graduates, and understanding the routes available can be advantageous for aspiring officers. Local municipal departments often recruit through the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) program, which combines structured training with hands-on experience. The Utah Highway Patrol seeks candidates through state academies, while federal pathways, such as the FBI, require prior experience and qualifications not typically held by entry-level officers. Continuing education and added certifications—such as those from specialized training programs like the FBI National Academy—can significantly enhance one's starting pay and career prospects. Individuals with a high school diploma, alongside POST academy certification, are equipped to begin their journey, but those aspiring to climb the ranks should consider earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, especially for urban or federal roles. In the competitive labor market, realistic salary expectations will see steady growth in the first few years, reflecting the importance of ongoing education and skill development within law enforcement careers.
More salary data for Holladay, UT:
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 Holladay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holladay 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