Police Officer Salary in Downers Grove, IL: $78,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Downers Grove, IL earns a median $78,326/year (≈ $37.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Downers Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $80,665 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for police officers in Downers Grove, Illinois, is $78,326, closely aligning with the national median of $78,542, indicating a competitive pay scale for local law enforcement. Salary figures range from $51,739 at the 10th percentile to $117,070 at the 90th percentile, providing a broad scope of potential earnings based on experience and specialization. It's essential to note that these figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. Additionally, many officers supplement their incomes through overtime associated with mandatory court appearances and special details, effectively enhancing their overall compensation above the base salary.
About the Downers Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,739 | $24.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,310 | $29.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,326 | $37.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,257 | $48.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,070 | $56.28 |
Median Salary Position
0.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downers Grove
In Downers Grove, IL, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,331 (2026 est.). At $78,326, the local median is 0.28% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downers Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downers Grove Police Officer Pay Compares
Downers Grove median: $78,326/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downers Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $82,102 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -0.28% less |
Police Officers in Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $78,326 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.28% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $82,102.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downers Grove has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downers Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $78,326 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,665 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,976
2025 BLS Actual
$76,000
2026 Current Est.
$78,326
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,359 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,432 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,081 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downers Grove metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $62,976 (2019) to $76,000 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,746 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downers Grove 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) | $51,739 – $62,310 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,310 – $78,326 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,326 – $100,257 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,257 – $117,070 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Downers Grove
An analysis of the local job market reveals that Downers Grove currently employs 11 police officers, contributing to a more stable employment environment compared to larger cities where officer numbers are significantly higher. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for law enforcement professionals is slightly below the national average, meaning that salaries may not stretch as far as they do in more expensive areas. Among local employers, municipal police departments generally pay the most, followed by county sheriff's offices, while federal agencies often provide higher compensation but have fewer positions available. Factors influencing pay disparities include agency type, union contracts that may dictate overtime options, and specialized assignments, which can entail additional stipend opportunities. Officers looking to maximize their earnings in Downers Grove should consider pursuing specialized roles or seeking educational incentives to boost their salaries within the local pay structure.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
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 $76,000 for police officersin the Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove 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