Police Officer Salary in Kalispell, MT: $74,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Kalispell, MT earns a median $74,228/year (≈ $35.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $77,160 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, the projected police officer salary for 2026 sees a median of $74,228, slightly below the national average of $78,542. This figure is derived from a local estimate based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors. The salary range for officers spans from $48,030 at the 10th percentile to $102,490 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and roles within law enforcement. Overtime derived from mandatory court appearances and special details significantly impacts overall earnings, making the effective pay structure more favorable, especially for those in specialized assignments. As Kalispell continues to evolve, understanding these salary dynamics becomes essential for current and aspiring officers.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,030 | $23.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,354 | $28.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,228 | $35.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,684 | $43.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,490 | $49.27 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,460 (2026 est.). At $74,228, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell Police Officer Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $74,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $77,726 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -5.49% less |
Police Officers in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $74,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $77,726.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $74,228 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,160 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,681
2025 BLS Actual
$72,024
2026 Current Est.
$74,228
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $59,681 (2019) to $72,024 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,818 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $48,030 – $58,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,354 – $74,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,228 – $90,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,684 – $102,490 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Kalispell
Local employment for police officers in Kalispell has reached a modest count of four, suggesting a tight job market. With a cost-of-living index at 96.2, the purchasing power for officers in the area is relatively strong, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle compared to many regions in the United States. Among the different agencies in Montana, municipal police departments typically align closely with local pay structures, while federal law enforcement entities often offer the highest salaries, coupled with generous pension plans. Variability in compensation can stem from agency type, union contracts, and specialized unit roles, which can include additional incentives that boost overall earnings. To maximize earning potential in Kalispell, officers should consider pursuing advanced certifications and participate in overtime opportunities, enhancing both their pay and career advancement prospects within the local law enforcement community.
More salary data for Kalispell, 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 $72,024 for police officersin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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