Police Officer Salary in Catonsville, MD: $81,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Catonsville, MD earns a median $81,963/year (≈ $39.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Catonsville's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $74,989 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Catonsville, Maryland, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $81,963, reflecting a competitive edge in the local job market when compared to the national median of $78,542. The salary range for police officers in this area spans from $54,239 at the lower end (P10) to $119,517 at the upper end (P90), indicating a significant disparity in earnings based on experience and department assignment. These figures are derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, providing a clearer picture for those considering a career in law enforcement. Given the unique characteristics of Catonsville's market, understanding the broader compensation framework will be essential for those looking to navigate this profession effectively.
About the Catonsville Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,239 | $26.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,275 | $31.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,963 | $39.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,912 | $50.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,517 | $57.46 |
Median Salary Position
4.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Catonsville
In Catonsville, MD, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,278 (2026 est.). At $81,963, the local median is 4.36% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Catonsville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Catonsville Police Officer Pay Compares
Catonsville median: $81,963/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Catonsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $85,825 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +4.36% more |
Police Officers in Catonsville, MD earn a median of $81,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 4.50% below the Maryland state average of $85,825.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Catonsville has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Catonsville, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,963 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,989 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,900
2025 BLS Actual
$79,529
2026 Current Est.
$81,963
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Catonsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,424 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,428 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,396 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,529 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,471 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Catonsville metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $65,900 (2019) to $79,529 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,471 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,571 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Catonsville 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) | $54,239 – $65,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,275 – $81,963 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,963 – $104,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,912 – $119,517 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Catonsville
The local job market for police officers in Catonsville consists of only 10 professionals, which may affect opportunities for advancement and competitive pay structures. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, officers may find their purchasing power impacted; however, the local salary still provides a reasonable living standard. Among local employers, municipal police departments generally offer the most competitive wages, with pay scales influenced by various factors such as overtime, special unit assignments, and educational incentives. The difference in pay across agencies, from federal positions to local roles, can be substantial. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential in Catonsville, focusing on career progression through educational advancement, taking on specialized roles, and actively participating in overtime opportunities could lead to significant financial benefits over time, further enhancing the overall police officer pay in Catonsville, MD.
More salary data for Catonsville, MD:
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 $79,529 for police officersin the Catonsville 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 Catonsville 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