Police Officer Salary in Gardner, KS: $66,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Gardner, KS earns a median $66,207/year (≈ $31.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Gardner's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $72,835 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gardner, Kansas, police officer salaries are projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,207 in 2026, reflecting local market conditions and various cost adjustments. The salary range for officers in the area stretches from $45,464 at the 10th percentile up to $96,264 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of compensation dependent on numerous factors. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. When comparing local pay to the national landscape, Gardner's police officer compensation is approximately 15.70% lower than the national median of $78,542, which might lead to unique challenges and opportunities for those considering law enforcement careers in this town.
About the Gardner Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,464 | $21.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,746 | $25.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,207 | $31.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,886 | $40.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,264 | $46.28 |
Median Salary Position
15.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gardner
In Gardner, KS, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,800 (2026 est.). At $66,207, the local median is 15.7% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gardner: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gardner Police Officer Pay Compares
Gardner median: $66,207/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gardner Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $71,420 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -15.70% less |
Police Officers in Gardner, KS earn a median of $66,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.70% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.30% below the Kansas state average of $71,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gardner 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.
Gardner, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $66,207 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,835 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,232
2025 BLS Actual
$64,241
2026 Current Est.
$66,207
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Gardner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,247 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,928 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,233 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gardner metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $53,232 (2019) to $64,241 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,233 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,001 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gardner 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) | $45,464 – $53,746 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,746 – $66,207 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,207 – $83,886 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,886 – $96,264 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Gardner
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently six police officers employed in Gardner, KS, which suggests a stable but small workforce facing specific economic realities, given the area's cost-of-living index of 90.9. This lower index means that take-home pay can stretch further compared to higher-cost regions, although it also reflects the challenges of lower salaries relative to national norms. Within Gardner, local municipal departments typically offer less than federal law enforcement agencies. Those considering a career in local policing might find that earnings can be maximized through specialized roles within law enforcement, such as assignments in SWAT or detective units, which often come with additional stipends. Additionally, working shifts that qualify for differential pay or pursuing advanced education that provides incentive pay can further boost overall earnings, making strategic planning essential for maximizing police officer pay in Gardner.
More salary data for Gardner, KS:
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 $64,241 for police officersin the Gardner 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 Gardner 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