Police Officer Salary in Montpelier, VT: $74,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Montpelier, VT earns a median $74,870/year (≈ $36.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Montpelier's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $72,338 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Montpelier, Vermont, can expect a median annual salary of $74,870, a figure that reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This salary falls within a broader range starting at $50,556 for the lowest earners and reaching up to $105,347 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures account for adjustments related to the area's cost of living and retirement benefits, as retirement compensation in law enforcement often hinges on specific pension multiplier formulas. Notably, Montpelier's police pay remains slightly below the national median of $78,542, indicating a local job market that, while stable, may offer potential challenges for attracting and retaining talent.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,556 | $24.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,465 | $28.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,870 | $36.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,688 | $44.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,347 | $50.64 |
Median Salary Position
4.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montpelier
In Montpelier, VT, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,791 (2026 est.). At $74,870, the local median is 4.68% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Montpelier: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Montpelier Police Officer Pay Compares
Montpelier median: $74,870/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Montpelier Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $81,292 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -4.68% less |
Police Officers in Montpelier, VT earn a median of $74,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.68% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $81,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Montpelier has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Montpelier, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,870 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,338 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,198
2025 BLS Actual
$72,647
2026 Current Est.
$74,870
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,198 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,476 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,961 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montpelier metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $60,198 (2019) to $72,647 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,963 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier 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) | $50,556 – $58,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,465 – $74,870 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,870 – $92,688 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,688 – $105,347 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Montpelier
With only four police officers currently employed in Montpelier, the job market for this profession is relatively niche. The cost-of-living index for the city stands at 103.5, which suggests that while salaries may not match larger metropolitan areas, the purchasing power is still reasonably competitive for local residents. Among municipal employers, city police departments typically pay the most, compared to county sheriff's offices and state police. Variations in compensation are driven by factors such as agency type, overtime structures, and specific job assignments. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing specialized roles such as detectives or SWAT officers can significantly enhance salary potential. Additionally, educational incentives and understanding how to leverage the pension multiplier can prove advantageous for long-term financial planning in Montpelier's police officer pay structure.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do police officers make in Montpelier, VT in 2026?
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Can police officers make $100K in Montpelier?
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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 $72,647 for police officersin the Montpelier 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 Montpelier 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