Police Officer Salary in Emporia, KS: $65,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Emporia, KS earns a median $65,911/year (≈ $31.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $72,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, police officers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $65,911 in 2026 based on local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. Salary ranges for these positions vary significantly, with entry-level salaries starting at $44,767 for the lowest 10% and capping at $95,131 for the top 10%. This data reflects the unique circumstances of municipal law enforcement in Emporia and addresses some of the disparities seen when comparing local salaries to the national median of $78,542. Given the choice between federal, state, and municipal roles, many officers in Emporia might find themselves benefitting from this localized salary structure, especially when factoring in the state's cost of living.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,767 | $21.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,147 | $25.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,911 | $31.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,271 | $40.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,131 | $45.74 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,364 (2026 est.). At $65,911, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Police Officer Pay Compares
Emporia median: $65,911/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $71,410 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -16.08% less |
Police Officers in Emporia, KS earn a median of $65,911 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $71,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $65,911 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,509 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,994
2025 BLS Actual
$63,954
2026 Current Est.
$65,911
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,954 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $52,994 (2019) to $63,954 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,934 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $44,767 – $53,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,147 – $65,911 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,911 – $83,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,271 – $95,131 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Emporia
The job market for police officers in Emporia features a limited employment base, with only five officers reported in the area. This scarcity, combined with a cost of living index of 90.9, suggests that the purchasing power for officers may be more favorable compared to other parts of the country. Among the various law enforcement agencies in the area, municipal police departments generally offer the highest salaries, influenced by union contracts, incentive pay structures, and shift differentials. To maximize earnings, officers could consider pursuing specialized unit assignments, obtaining higher educational qualifications, or taking advantage of overtime opportunities. Such strategies are particularly important in a smaller market like Emporia, where the potential for upward mobility can hinge on these factors.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can police officers make $100K in Emporia?
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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 $63,954 for police officersin the Emporia 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 Emporia 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