Police Officer Salary in Palm Coast, FL: $70,546 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Palm Coast, FL earns a median $70,546/year (≈ $33.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Palm Coast's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $69,986 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Palm Coast, Florida, can expect a median annual salary of $70,546. This figure represents a notable contrast to the national median of $78,542, highlighting a compensation structure that favors federal and larger municipal agencies over local ones. The projected salary range for officers in the area spans from $42,557 at the lower end (P10) to $109,346 at the upper range (P90), indicating substantial variation in pay based on experience and responsibilities. Palm Coast’s estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which remains slightly above the national average with a cost index of 100.8. For officers considering Palm Coast, understanding the local compensation framework is essential, particularly in a region where job market dynamics are influenced by varied agency types and their respective budgets.
About the Palm Coast Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,557 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,288 | $25.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,546 | $33.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,412 | $42.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,346 | $52.57 |
Median Salary Position
10.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palm Coast
In Palm Coast, FL, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,789 (2026 est.). At $70,546, the local median is 10.18% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Palm Coast: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Palm Coast Police Officer Pay Compares
Palm Coast median: $70,546/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palm Coast Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $78,542 | -10.18% less |
Police Officers in Palm Coast, FL earn a median of $70,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.18% lower than the national median of $78,542.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palm Coast has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Palm Coast, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,546 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,986 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,721
2025 BLS Actual
$68,451
2026 Current Est.
$70,546
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Palm Coast (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,921 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,451 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,546 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,704 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palm Coast metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $56,721 (2019) to $68,451 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,704 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,983 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palm Coast 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) | $42,557 – $53,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,288 – $70,546 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,546 – $88,412 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,412 – $109,346 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Palm Coast
Within the local job market, there are currently 12 police officers employed in Palm Coast, which may reflect a stable yet competitive environment for law enforcement employment. Despite the higher-than-average cost of living, keeping in mind the salary figures, officers face unique challenges when it comes to purchasing power. The highest-paying employers in the region generally include federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or DEA, which offer superior compensation compared to municipal or state police positions. Variations in police officer pay in Palm Coast can also be influenced by factors like agency type, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, and educational incentives that are often structured through union contracts. For those in law enforcement, focusing on additional qualifications, pursuing specialties within the department, or seeking roles that offer enhanced overtime may serve as effective strategies for maximizing overall pay in the Palm Coast market.
More salary data for Palm Coast, FL:
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 $68,451 for police officersin the Palm Coast 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 Palm Coast 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