Police Officer Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $51,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Jonesboro, AR earns a median $51,087/year (≈ $24.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Jonesboro's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.9), that paycheck buys what $59,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in Jonesboro, Arkansas, reflect a median annual salary of $51,087, significantly lower than the national average of $78,542, highlighting the regional disparities in law enforcement pay. The salary range for police officers in this area spans from $39,297 at the 10th percentile to $74,090 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, underscoring the economic dynamics at play within the local law enforcement profession. As Jonesboro looks to attract talent, understanding the unique compensation structure, including the pension multiplier formula, can mitigate some of the long-term financial impacts of engaging in public service.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,297 | $18.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,727 | $23.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,087 | $24.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,312 | $27.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,090 | $35.62 |
Median Salary Position
34.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jonesboro
In Jonesboro, AR, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,793 (2026 est.). At $51,087, the local median is 34.96% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jonesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jonesboro Police Officer Pay Compares
Jonesboro median: $51,087/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jonesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $52,613 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -34.96% less |
Police Officers in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $51,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.96% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.90% below the Arkansas state average of $52,613.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jonesboro has a cost of living 14.12% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jonesboro, AR has a cost-of-living index of 85.876 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $51,087 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,489 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.45% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,340
2025 BLS Actual
$49,570
2026 Current Est.
$51,087
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,650 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jonesboro metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 22.9% from $40,340 (2019) to $49,570 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,650 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,310 (30.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro 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) | $39,297 – $48,727 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,727 – $51,087 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,087 – $57,312 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,312 – $74,090 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Jonesboro
The job market for police officers in Jonesboro is fairly robust, with approximately 230 officers currently employed in the area and a cost of living index of 85.876, which is below the national average, indicating a relatively affordable environment for residents. However, the lower cost of living also suggests that take-home purchasing power may be more limited compared to areas with higher pay scales. Among employers, municipal police departments typically offer the most competitive rates, although county sheriff's offices and state police also provide viable career paths. Variations in compensation are influenced by factors such as agency type—federal positions generally provide higher pay than state or municipal roles—as well as additional compensation for special units and overtime. Officers aiming to maximize their earnings in Jonesboro might consider pursuing advanced training, applying for special assignments, or negotiating educational incentives that can enhance their salary potential.
More salary data for Jonesboro, 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 $49,570 for police officersin the Jonesboro 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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