Police Officer Salary in Temple, TX: $71,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Temple, TX earns a median $71,796/year (≈ $34.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Temple's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $74,788 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for police officers in Temple, TX, stands at $71,796, which is approximately 8.59% below the national median of $78,542. The salary range for officers in this city varies widely, from a minimum of $46,950 (P10) to a top end of $109,193 (P90). These figures reflect estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations. It's essential for those considering a career in law enforcement here to understand that overtime opportunities from court appearances and special assignments can significantly enhance overall earnings, highlighting the dynamics of pay in the Temple job market, which is notably competitive for its size.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,962 | $27.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,796 | $34.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,899 | $44.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,193 | $52.50 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temple
In Temple, TX, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,243 (2026 est.). At $71,796, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temple: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temple Police Officer Pay Compares
Temple median: $71,796/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temple Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $76,869 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -8.59% less |
Police Officers in Temple, TX earn a median of $71,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 6.60% below the Texas state average of $76,869.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temple 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.
Temple, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $71,796 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,788 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,726
2025 BLS Actual
$69,664
2026 Current Est.
$71,796
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,664 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temple metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $57,726 (2019) to $69,664 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,267 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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) | $46,950 – $56,962 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,962 – $71,796 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,796 – $91,899 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,899 – $109,193 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Temple
The local job market in Temple employs around 14 police officers, who must navigate a cost of living index of 96, slightly below the national average. This situation implies that take-home pay may stretch further, although it can still be relatively modest compared to neighboring markets. Among local employers, city municipal police departments tend to offer the most competitive salaries, but aspiring officers might also consider the potential of federal positions, which generally offer higher pay scales. Factors contributing to the disparity in compensation include agency type, union contract structures, and opportunities for overtime and stipends in specialized units. For those looking to maximize their police officer pay in Temple, pursuing advanced educational qualifications, actively seeking overtime work, or aiming for special assignments could significantly enhance their earning potential and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Temple, 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 $69,664 for police officersin the Temple 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 Temple 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