Police Officer Salary in Metairie, LA: $50,652 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Metairie, LA earns a median $50,652/year (≈ $24.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Metairie's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $56,093 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Metairie, Louisiana, can expect a median annual salary of $50,652, significantly lower than the national median of $78,542. The salary range for these officers varies widely, with entry-level positions earning as little as $29,391, while those in more advanced roles or with specialized skills can earn up to $78,510. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local estimates adjusted for regional cost of living. While Metairie’s compensation is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to national averages, the city's job market for police officers remains stable, providing opportunities for those willing to advance through specialized training, which is essential in negotiating higher pay rates.
About the Metairie Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,391 | $14.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,504 | $19.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,652 | $24.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,834 | $31.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,510 | $37.74 |
Median Salary Position
35.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Metairie
In Metairie, LA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,119 (2026 est.). At $50,652, the local median is 35.51% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Metairie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Metairie Police Officer Pay Compares
Metairie median: $50,652/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Metairie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $50,350 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | -35.51% less |
Police Officers in Metairie, LA earn a median of $50,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.51% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 0.60% above the Louisiana state average of $50,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Metairie has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Metairie, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $50,652 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,093 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,726
2025 BLS Actual
$49,148
2026 Current Est.
$50,652
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Metairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,667 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,652 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,202 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Metairie metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $40,726 (2019) to $49,148 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,202 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,476 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Metairie 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) | $29,391 – $40,504 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,504 – $50,652 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,652 – $64,834 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,834 – $78,510 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Metairie
In Metairie, 23 police officers are presently employed, reflecting a small but steady job market. The local cost of living, with an index of 90.3, suggests that while salaries may appear lower than the national standard, the purchasing power allows for a moderate lifestyle. Among different agencies, municipal police departments typically provide competitive pay compared to state police, making them the primary employer in the area. Factors driving pay disparity include agency type, specialization in high-demand units like SWAT or K-9, and negotiated union contracts that can include overtime and shift differentials. For officers seeking to maximize earnings in Metairie, pursuing advanced educational qualifications and seeking out shifts that offer premiums can significantly enhance total compensation. With an annual growth rate of 3.06%, the outlook for police officer salaries in Metairie indicates potential incremental increases over time, making it a viable option for law enforcement professionals.
More salary data for Metairie, LA:
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 $49,148 for police officersin the Metairie 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 Metairie 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