Police Officer Salary in University Park, TX: $72,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in University Park, TX earns a median $72,810/year (≈ $35.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in University Park's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $75,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a police officer salary in University Park, TX is projected to reach a median of $72,810, which is slightly below the national average of $78,542. Local estimates based on 2025 BLS data reveal a salary range for officers from $46,448 at the 10th percentile to as high as $106,292 at the 90th percentile. This salary structure reflects not only the dynamics of public sector compensation in the region but also the long-term impact of pension plans, which can be pivotal when considering overall retirement benefits. Given the relatively stable labor market in University Park, these salary figures illustrate the attractiveness of law enforcement careers in this affluent area, offering competitive pay against a backdrop of local economic factors.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,448 | $22.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,525 | $27.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,810 | $35.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,516 | $44.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,292 | $51.10 |
Median Salary Position
7.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Park
In University Park, TX, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,844 (2026 est.). At $72,810, the local median is 7.3% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Park Police Officer Pay Compares
University Park median: $72,810/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $76,885 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -7.30% less |
Police Officers in University Park, TX earn a median of $72,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $76,885.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Park 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.
University Park, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $72,810 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,844 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,541
2025 BLS Actual
$70,648
2026 Current Est.
$72,810
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,757 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,988 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,005 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,485 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,038 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Park metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $58,541 (2019) to $70,648 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,038 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,497 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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) | $46,448 – $56,525 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,525 – $72,810 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,810 – $92,516 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,516 – $106,292 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in University Park
With only five police officers currently employed in University Park, the job market in this area remains tight, creating a stable environment for law enforcement personnel. The cost of living index, resting at 96, suggests that while salaries in the city may be lower than the national median, the lower living expenses can support a reasonable standard of living for officers. For those seeking the highest police officer pay in University Park, local municipal departments are often the best bet, while federal options like the FBI and ATF may provide higher pay scales. Variation in pay can also be attributed to factors such as agency type, overtime rates, and specialized assignments, which can significantly affect total earnings. Officers aiming to maximize their income in this market should consider pursuing additional training and certifications that are often rewarded with higher pay brackets, alongside strategic negotiation for shifts and overtime opportunities.
More salary data for University Park, 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 $70,648 for police officersin the University Park 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 Park 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