Police Officer Salary in Paragould, AR: $51,416 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Paragould, AR earns a median $51,416/year (≈ $24.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $59,167 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, Arkansas, the police officer salary is projected to be $51,416 in 2026. This figure represents a significant discrepancy when compared to the national median pay for police officers, which stands at approximately $78,542. Local officers earn between $31,718 at the 10th percentile and up to $77,375 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a competitive yet moderate salary range for law enforcement. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) along with regional price adjustments allows for this localized estimate, which reveals the financial landscape for police officers in this rural community. Those considering a career in municipal law enforcement may find that the lower pay aligns with the overall cost of living and the unique dynamics of rural policing in northeastern Arkansas.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,718 | $15.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,233 | $19.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,416 | $24.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,812 | $31.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,375 | $37.20 |
Median Salary Position
34.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,657 (2026 est.). At $51,416, the local median is 34.54% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Police Officer Pay Compares
Paragould median: $51,416/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $52,626 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -34.54% less |
Police Officers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $51,416 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.54% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $52,626.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $51,416 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,167 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,340
2025 BLS Actual
$49,889
2026 Current Est.
$51,416
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,295 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,068 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,416 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,989 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $41,340 (2019) to $49,889 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,989 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,649 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $31,718 – $41,233 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,233 – $51,416 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,416 – $65,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,812 – $77,375 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Paragould
The job market for police officers in Paragould consists of a tight-knit group, with only seven officers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index, pegged at 86.9, suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, officers might retain adequate purchasing power due to reduced living expenses. Among local employers, municipal police departments typically offer the most competitive salaries, while opportunities for pay enhancements through specialized assignments or union contracts can further increase compensation. Factors such as agency type, overtime structures, and educational incentives contribute to the variation in officer pay. To maximize earnings in Paragould, law enforcement professionals might consider pursuing additional training, seeking specialized roles, or engaging in departments that offer robust pension plans and overtime opportunities. Investing in continued education and professional development will also strengthen an officer’s position in this evolving market.
More salary data for Paragould, 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 $49,889 for police officersin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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