Police Officer Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $77,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $77,028/year (≈ $37.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $82,471 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for police officers in 2026 is set at $77,028, which is slightly below the national median of $78,542. The local salary range demonstrates diversity in compensation, with entry-level officers earning around $51,188 (P10) and experienced officers able to secure salaries up to $112,763 (P90). These figures represent estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities. The salary offered in Manitowoc reflects the local job market dynamics, influenced by the structural choice between federal, state, and municipal law enforcement roles. While federal positions often provide higher salaries, the municipal landscape presents its own competitive pay structure, particularly for those looking at a career in local law enforcement.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,188 | $24.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,503 | $29.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,028 | $37.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,595 | $47.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,763 | $54.21 |
Median Salary Position
1.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,575 (2026 est.). At $77,028, the local median is 1.93% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manitowoc Police Officer Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $77,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $80,573 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -1.93% less |
Police Officers in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $77,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.93% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $80,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A police officer earning $77,028 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $82,471 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,933
2025 BLS Actual
$74,741
2026 Current Est.
$77,028
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,277 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,522 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,887 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,385 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $61,933 (2019) to $74,741 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,385 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,452 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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) | $51,188 – $61,503 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,503 – $77,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,028 – $98,595 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,595 – $112,763 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Manitowoc
Examining the employment landscape in Manitowoc, there are currently nine police officers working in the area, indicating a tight-knit community within the force. With a Cost of Living index of 93.4, officers’ purchasing power may be more favorable compared to other regions, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite the local police officer pay in Manitowoc, WI, being lower than that of top-paying jurisdictions. For those seeking to maximize earnings, federal roles or positions in larger municipal departments may offer the best financial rewards. The disparity in pay scales often stems from factors such as job type, overtime potential, union contracts, and specialties within law enforcement. Officers who acquire additional qualifications, such as advanced degrees or certifications, may also benefit from educational incentives, which can significantly impact overall compensation. Understanding these variations and focusing on career development opportunities can greatly enhance earning potential in Manitowoc’s police job market.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
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 $74,741 for police officersin the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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