Police Officer Salary in Colchester, VT: $75,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Colchester, VT earns a median $75,248/year (≈ $36.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $72,703 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Police officers in Colchester, VT, can expect a median annual salary of $75,248 in 2026, reflecting local labor market dynamics adjusted for regional cost factors. This compensation, which spans from $51,119 at the lower end to $109,161 at the higher end, takes into account both the increasing demand for law enforcement professionals and the implications of pension multipliers on long-term financial security. Given the robust pension structures often found in police retirement plans, these figures highlight the significance of long-term earnings potential when considering a career in law enforcement in Colchester.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,119 | $24.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,922 | $29.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,248 | $36.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,187 | $45.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,161 | $52.48 |
Median Salary Position
4.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,042 (2026 est.). At $75,248, the local median is 4.19% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Colchester Police Officer Pay Compares
Colchester median: $75,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $81,262 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -4.19% less |
Police Officers in Colchester, VT earn a median of $75,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $81,262.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,248 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,703 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,502
2025 BLS Actual
$73,014
2026 Current Est.
$75,248
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,031 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,275 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,551 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $60,502 (2019) to $73,014 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,551 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,049 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $51,119 – $60,922 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,922 – $75,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,248 – $95,187 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,187 – $109,161 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Colchester
In Colchester, the local job market remains relatively small, with only four police officers currently employed, indicating a tight-knit community of law enforcement professionals. The cost of living in the area, indexed at 103.5, means that while salaries are competitive, they may also be slightly impacted by the higher expenses of living compared to the national average. Among the employers offering the most lucrative positions, municipal police departments typically lead, followed by state police and county sheriff's offices. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include agency type, with federal positions generally offering the highest compensation, as well as specific provisions like education incentives and overtime structures outlined in union contracts. For those pursuing a career in law enforcement, focusing on special assignments or gaining additional certifications can be effective strategies to maximize earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
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 $73,014 for police officersin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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