Police Officer Salary in University City, MO: $60,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in University City, MO earns a median $60,109/year (≈ $28.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $67,086 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in University City, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $60,109. This local compensation reflects a range of salaries, with the lowest earners receiving around $37,937 and the highest reportedly earning up to $85,522. These figures are derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, adjusted for regional price differences. When compared to the national median for police officers, which stands at $78,542 for 2026, University City's salaries are notably lower. This disparity is indicative of the structural choice faced by law enforcement in the region, where municipal departments typically offer lower pay compared to federal agencies. However, the police officer job market here remains competitive, influenced by the surrounding area's economic conditions.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,937 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,558 | $22.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,109 | $28.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,955 | $36.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,522 | $41.12 |
Median Salary Position
23.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,585 (2026 est.). At $60,109, the local median is 23.47% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Police Officer Pay Compares
University City median: $60,109/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $60,962 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -23.47% less |
Police Officers in University City, MO earn a median of $60,109 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.47% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $60,962.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University City 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.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $60,109 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,086 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,329
2025 BLS Actual
$58,324
2026 Current Est.
$60,109
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,329 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,158 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,584 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $48,329 (2019) to $58,324 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,619 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University City 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) | $37,937 – $46,558 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,558 – $60,109 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,109 – $75,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,955 – $85,522 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in University City
Currently, the local job market employs six police officers, highlighting the relatively small size of the force in University City. With a cost of living index at 89.6, which is below the national average, take-home pay may stretch further in this area compared to jurisdictions with higher living expenses. Among local employers, municipal police departments generally provide compensation on the lower end of the spectrum, while federal law enforcement opportunities present more lucrative pay scales. Variations in police officer pay in University City stem from factors such as agency type, educational incentives, and pension structures, which influence earnings potential. To maximize their salary, aspiring officers might consider engaging in specialized training, seeking roles in task forces, or pursuing advanced degrees to qualify for educational pay premiums. Additionally, officers contemplating post-retirement paths may look into private security opportunities, where compensation can exceed their law enforcement salaries.
More salary data for University City, 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 $58,324 for police officersin the University City 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 University City 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