Police Officer Salary in Towson, MD: $78,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Towson, MD earns a median $78,566/year (≈ $37.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Towson's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $71,881 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Towson, Maryland earn a median annual salary of $78,566, which is notably higher than the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers in this area spans from $51,921 at the 10th percentile to $119,967 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale reflective of various experience levels and responsibilities. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, showcase the competitive compensation landscape for law enforcement in Towson compared to other regions. The distinction between federal law enforcement, municipal, and state police enables officers to evaluate their options based on salary and job security, with federal agencies typically offering higher pay and benefits.
About the Towson Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,921 | $24.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,741 | $30.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,566 | $37.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,564 | $48.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,967 | $57.67 |
Median Salary Position
0.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Towson
In Towson, MD, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,046 (2026 est.). At $78,566, the local median is 0.03% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Towson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Towson Police Officer Pay Compares
Towson median: $78,566/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Towson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $85,864 | -8.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +0.03% more |
Police Officers in Towson, MD earn a median of $78,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.03% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 8.50% below the Maryland state average of $85,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Towson has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Towson, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,566 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,881 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,169
2025 BLS Actual
$76,233
2026 Current Est.
$78,566
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Towson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,169 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,074 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,970 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Towson metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $63,169 (2019) to $76,233 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,970 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,801 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Towson 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) | $51,921 – $62,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,741 – $78,566 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,566 – $100,564 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,564 – $119,967 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Towson
The job market for police officers in Towson is relatively small, with just 11 officers currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 109.3, suggesting that while police officer pay in Towson may be competitive, it is essential for officers to consider their take-home purchasing power when assessing overall compensation. Among various law enforcement agencies, municipal police departments generally offer the most attractive salaries, while opportunities in federal law enforcement remain the highest-paying option. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to agency type, special unit assignments, educational incentives, and pension formulas. To maximize earnings in this market, officers should pursue specialized training, consider higher educational credentials, and explore overtime potential through union contracts. This approach not only enhances their financial prospects but also strengthens their role within the community.
More salary data for Towson, 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 $76,233 for police officersin the Towson 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 Towson 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