Police Officer Salary in Bozeman, MT: $76,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Bozeman, MT earns a median $76,594/year (≈ $36.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Bozeman's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.5), that paycheck buys what $74,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Montana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, the projected annual salary for police officers in 2026 is $76,594, reflecting a competitive market relative to the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers in the area spans from $64,175 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $95,763 at the high end (90th percentile). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reveal that while Bozeman's police officer pay is slightly below the national average, opportunities for advancement and salary increases exist through various agency types, including municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The local job market, with 180 officers currently employed, showcases a robust demand for skilled law enforcement professionals within the city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,175 | $30.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,420 | $35.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,594 | $36.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,763 | $46.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,763 | $46.04 |
Median Salary Position
2.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bozeman
In Bozeman, MT, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,588 (2026 est.). At $76,594, the local median is 2.48% below the national median of $78,542.
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At 40 hours/week in Bozeman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bozeman Police Officer Pay Compares
Bozeman median: $76,594/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bozeman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $77,761 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -2.48% less |
Police Officers in Bozeman, MT earn a median of $76,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.48% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 1.50% below the Montana state average of $77,761.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bozeman has a cost of living 2.51% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bozeman, MT has a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,594 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,719 — a 2.45% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,584
2025 BLS Actual
$74,320
2026 Current Est.
$76,594
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,584 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,158 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,487 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,938 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bozeman metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $61,584 (2019) to $74,320 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,938 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,354 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bozeman 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) | $64,175 – $73,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,420 – $76,594 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,594 – $95,763 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,763 – $95,763 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Bozeman
Considering the cost of living index in Bozeman, which stands at 102.51, officers must be mindful of their purchasing power and overall financial well-being. With various employers in the region, such as municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices, pay disparities can be significant, influenced by agency type, overtime structures, and special assignments. To maximize earning potential in Bozeman, officers should seek positions with federal agencies which typically offer higher compensation and better benefits, as well as pursue educational incentives that many departments provide. Understanding the nuances behind compensation—such as union contracts and the pension multiplier system—can empower officers to make informed decisions about their careers, particularly as they navigate their paths towards optimal salary outcomes in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 $74,320 for police officersin the Bozeman 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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