Police Officer Salary in Pharr, TX: $76,329 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Pharr, TX earns a median $76,329/year (≈ $36.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Pharr's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $79,509 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, police officer salaries in Pharr, Texas, are predicted to average an annual compensation of $76,329, slightly below the national median of $78,542. Local salaries range significantly, from $45,205 at the 10th percentile to as high as $117,639 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, estimated using 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, reflect the dynamics of overtime, special details, and court appearances that can greatly enhance take-home pay. With police officer pay in Pharr TX being influenced by these variables, it is essential for potential candidates to understand the economic landscape and how their roles can be financially rewarding.
About the Pharr Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,205 | $21.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,607 | $29.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,329 | $36.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,702 | $46.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,639 | $56.56 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pharr
In Pharr, TX, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,434 (2026 est.). At $76,329, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pharr: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pharr Police Officer Pay Compares
Pharr median: $76,329/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pharr Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $76,867 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -2.82% less |
Police Officers in Pharr, TX earn a median of $76,329 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 0.70% below the Texas state average of $76,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pharr has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pharr, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $76,329 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,509 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,371
2025 BLS Actual
$74,063
2026 Current Est.
$76,329
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Pharr (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,694 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,937 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,651 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,063 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,329 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pharr metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $61,371 (2019) to $74,063 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,294 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pharr 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) | $45,205 – $61,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,607 – $76,329 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,329 – $97,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,702 – $117,639 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Pharr
With a total of 18 police officers employed in the area, job stability in Pharr can be favorable, especially given the local cost of living index of 96, which is slightly below the national average. The lower cost of living allows officers to stretch their salaries further, enhancing their effective purchasing power. Within this market, the municipal police department typically offers competitive pay, though federal positions often command the highest salaries, notably from agencies such as the FBI and DEA. Factors such as agency type, overtime structures, and the potential for additional stipends from specialized assignments can create a wide disparity in earnings. To maximize salary potential, officers in Pharr should actively seek overtime opportunities, consider taking on special unit roles, and pursue further education, as many departments offer incentives based on qualifications. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those contemplating a career in law enforcement within the region.
More salary data for Pharr, TX:
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 $74,063 for police officersin the Pharr 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 Pharr 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