Police Officer Salary in Muscatine, IA: $74,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Muscatine, IA earns a median $74,659/year (≈ $35.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Muscatine's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $82,587 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for police officers in Muscatine, Iowa, stands at $74,659, which is about 4.94% lower than the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers in this city varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at $52,080 and reaching up to $106,802 for those at the higher end of the scale. These local estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, illustrate the salary landscape for municipal law enforcement, which contrasts with federal and state agencies. Given the urban nature of Muscatine, the compensation reflects the local economic conditions, yet the figures still underscore potential challenges in attracting talent when compared to larger metropolitan areas.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,080 | $25.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,257 | $29.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,659 | $35.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,676 | $45.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,802 | $51.34 |
Median Salary Position
4.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muscatine
In Muscatine, IA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,722 (2026 est.). At $74,659, the local median is 4.94% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muscatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muscatine Police Officer Pay Compares
Muscatine median: $74,659/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muscatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $79,934 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -4.94% less |
Police Officers in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $74,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $79,934.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muscatine has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muscatine, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $74,659 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $82,587 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,028
2025 BLS Actual
$72,442
2026 Current Est.
$74,659
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,706 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,879 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,442 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muscatine metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $60,028 (2019) to $72,442 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,915 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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) | $52,080 – $61,257 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,257 – $74,659 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,659 – $93,676 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,676 – $106,802 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Muscatine
In Muscatine, the job market for police officers comprises a modest cohort of just five employed officers, indicating a small yet significant presence in law enforcement. The cost of living index in Muscatine sits at 90.4, suggesting that officers enjoy a lower-than-average cost of living, which can enhance their purchasing power. However, to maximize compensation in this market, it’s advisable for officers to seek positions with municipal police departments, as these tend to offer more competitive pay than other local agencies like county sheriff's offices or state police. Factors such as overtime from union contracts, specialized assignments, and incentives for advanced education play pivotal roles in determining salary disparities. Officers looking to increase their earnings should consider pursuing additional certifications or specializations, as these often result in higher pay and better positions within the department.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $72,442 for police officersin the Muscatine 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 Muscatine 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