Police Officer Salary in Independence, MO: $62,222 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Independence, MO earns a median $62,222/year (≈ $29.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $69,444 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, police officers can expect a median annual salary of $62,222 in 2026, which reflects the local market dynamics while remaining significantly below the national median of $78,542. With a salary range from $39,931 at the lower end to $96,445 at the upper tier, the pay structure notably acknowledges both the demands of the job and the expertise required to fulfill these roles. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments, highlight the critical aspect of overtime and special detail assignments in increasing overall earnings. In this market, supplementary earnings are essential to bridge the gap between the median salary and national averages, making the effective compensation for Independence’s officers considerably reliant on these additional opportunities.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,931 | $19.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,910 | $23.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,222 | $29.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,781 | $37.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,445 | $46.37 |
Median Salary Position
20.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,514 (2026 est.). At $62,222, the local median is 20.78% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Police Officer Pay Compares
Independence median: $62,222/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $60,943 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | -20.78% less |
Police Officers in Independence, MO earn a median of $62,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.78% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $60,943.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $62,222 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,444 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,029
2025 BLS Actual
$60,375
2026 Current Est.
$62,222
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,029 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,262 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,222 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,126 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $50,029 (2019) to $60,375 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,126 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,097 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $39,931 – $48,910 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,910 – $62,222 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,222 – $78,781 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,781 – $96,445 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Independence
The police officer job market in Independence is characterized by a workforce of approximately 30 officers, offering solid employment continuity in this sector. The local cost-of-living index, standing at 89.6, indicates that take-home pay stretches further than in more expensive markets, enhancing purchasing power. Among local employers, municipal police departments typically offer competitive salaries, while federal law enforcement positions, although rare, often command higher pay rates. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, such as union contracts, special unit assignments, and pension structures. To maximize earnings, officers in Independence may leverage overtime opportunities, pursue advanced certifications, and explore roles within specialized units or other agencies for increased financial benefits. Such strategic career moves could significantly elevate their earning potential in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
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 $60,375 for police officersin the Independence 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 Independence 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