Police Officer Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $99,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Moses Lake, WA earns a median $99,231/year (≈ $47.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Moses Lake's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $92,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moses Lake, WA, police officer salaries reflect a competitive landscape driven by a combination of factors, including mandatory overtime for court appearances and special details, which significantly bolster total earnings. The projected median annual salary for 2026 stands at $99,231, surpassing the national median of $78,542 by over 26%. Officers in this region can expect to earn between $67,238 and $146,669, based on local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities. This compensation structure indicates a robust market for law enforcement professionals, particularly as the city's economy evolves and community safety remains a priority.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,238 | $32.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,266 | $38.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,231 | $47.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,593 | $60.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,669 | $70.51 |
Median Salary Position
26.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
In Moses Lake, WA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,431 (2026 est.). At $99,231, the local median is 26.34% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moses Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moses Lake Police Officer Pay Compares
Moses Lake median: $99,231/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moses Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $102,830 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +26.34% more |
Police Officers in Moses Lake, WA earn a median of $99,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.34% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.50% below the Washington state average of $102,830.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moses Lake has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moses Lake, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,231 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $92,394 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,785
2025 BLS Actual
$96,285
2026 Current Est.
$99,231
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,285 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moses Lake metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $79,785 (2019) to $96,285 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,483 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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) | $67,238 – $80,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,266 – $99,231 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,231 – $126,593 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,593 – $146,669 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Moses Lake
The local job market in Moses Lake features only four police officers currently employed, which illustrates a niche environment for aspiring law enforcement candidates. Against a cost-of-living index of 107.4, salaries are adjusted to ensure that take-home pay retains purchasing power amidst rising living expenses. Typically, municipal police departments will offer variable pay scales depending on the agency's funding and operational demands. In contrast, federal law enforcement agencies often provide higher salaries and richer pension packages, making them an attractive option for officers considering future career paths. Maximizing pay in this area can hinge on overtime deployment, choosing roles in specialized units, and capitalizing on educational incentives. Staying informed about potential shifts in demand for law enforcement in the Moses Lake area will also play a vital role in career progression and salary growth.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
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 $96,285 for police officersin the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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