Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Jackson, WY: $39,103 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,103 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,817 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,823) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level police officer salary in Jackson, WY, presents a starting point of approximately $39,103, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $58,823. New graduates can expect to see a gradual rise in their earnings over the first few years, with the possibility of reaching $45,672 by the 25th percentile. As one gains experience and possibly additional certifications, advancements toward the median income level become more attainable. Given the current market conditions and a favorable projected growth rate of 3.06% annually, Jackson appears to offer a reasonable opportunity for new police officers to establish their careers without facing an overwhelming cost of living, which is currently indexed at 95.8 compared to the national average.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level police officers in Jackson, WY typically start between $39,103 and $45,672 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,267 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,823 — 25.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Wyoming of $4,500 represents just 11.51% of the starting police officer pay ($39,103/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $39,103 to $45,672, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $43,267 ( 110.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,103, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,370.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,517
2025 BLS Actual
$37,942
2026 Current Est.
$39,103
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,517 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,683 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,096 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,097 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,103 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,300 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,517 in 2019 to $37,942 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,300. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
New graduates pursuing a career in law enforcement in Jackson typically find employment opportunities within the municipal police department, which recruits through structured POST academy pathways. State police and highway patrol also seek candidates from state-operated academies, while federal law enforcement agencies prioritize seasoned applicants. Positions at university campus and transit police departments may serve as valuable stepping stones for new graduates aspiring to transition to municipal roles. To improve starting pay prospects and career advancement, candidates should prioritize obtaining a high school diploma alongside POST certification, which generally requires a commitment of 6-9 months, while also preparing for physical and psychological evaluations. Specialty certifications can further enhance their competitiveness. Most police departments across the nation, including those in Wyoming, exhibit varied pay structures due to regional differences; thus, new recruits can expect their salaries to gradually increase within the first three years, reflecting both experience gained and the unique market dynamics of Jackson.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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