Police Officer Salary in Benton, AR: $51,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Benton, AR earns a median $51,562/year (≈ $24.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $59,335 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the police officer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $51,562 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national average of $78,542 for the same year. Salary estimates reveal a wide range, with entry-level positions starting at $31,835 (P10) and experienced officers earning up to $74,707 (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflecting the typical financial landscape for law enforcement roles in this municipality. The salary structure is influenced by various factors, including whether an officer is engaged with municipal, state, or federal law enforcement, with federal opportunities generally offering more lucrative pay.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,835 | $15.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,536 | $19.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,562 | $24.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,745 | $31.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,707 | $35.92 |
Median Salary Position
34.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,872 (2026 est.). At $51,562, the local median is 34.35% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Police Officer Pay Compares
Benton median: $51,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $52,614 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -34.35% less |
Police Officers in Benton, AR earn a median of $51,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.35% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $52,614.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $51,562 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,335 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,457
2025 BLS Actual
$50,031
2026 Current Est.
$51,562
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,451 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $41,457 (2019) to $50,031 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,683 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,835 – $39,536 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,536 – $51,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,562 – $64,745 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,745 – $74,707 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Benton
The job market in Benton shows a small pool of only five officers employed locally, which suggests limited competition for positions but also hints at a relatively static job market. With a cost-of-living index at 86.9, disposable income for officers might be more favorable compared to higher-cost areas, allowing for better purchasing power. Among local employers, the Benton municipal police department typically provides the most stable pay, although opportunities in federal agencies like the FBI promise superior compensation, often leading retirees to transition into roles there. Variability in pay levels among officers results from union agreements, overtime structures, and educational incentives – such as enhanced pay for master's degrees. To maximize earnings, local officers should consider seeking roles in specialized units or pursuing further education, as these pathways can significantly enhance financial prospects over time in Benton, AR.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $50,031 for police officersin the Benton metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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