Senior Police Officer Salary in Cedar City, UT: $113,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of police officers working in Cedar City, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,318/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 33-3051. Strip back Cedar City's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,513 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Cedar City presents a compelling financial landscape for experienced police officers, particularly at the senior level. In 2026, those at the top end of the pay scale can earn a remarkable $113,318, with a median annual salary of $79,384 and a 75th percentile income of $98,646. Compared to national averages, the top police officer salary in Cedar City is competitive, with local earning potential exceeding the national median of $78,542 by approximately 1.07%. This significant income gap illustrates the premium placed on experience, advanced skills, and specialized knowledge in law enforcement, which enables seasoned officers to ascend through the ranks and reach these lucrative positions. Achieving such top-tier pay often involves several years of dedicated service, continual professional development, and obtaining certifications that enhance both skills and market value within the region.
About the Cedar City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar City
Experienced police officers at the top of the pay scale in Cedar City earn between $98,646 and $113,318 per year (2026 est.). This $63,027 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cedar City median of $79,384 sits 1.07% above the US median.
Top PO Salary Comparison
| Level | Cedar City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,384 | $78,542 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,646 | $100,587 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,318 | $118,643 |
In Cedar City, experienced police officers (P90) earn 42.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Police Officer Pay in Cedar City
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT police officers with additional specialty certifications within the law enforcement field earn significantly above the $79,384 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cedar City employers.
Specialty Focus
Police Officers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the law enforcement field in Cedar City command premium compensation, often reaching the $98,646–$113,318 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cedar City metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced police officers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured police officers in Cedar City with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Police Officers in Utah who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Police Officer Career & Wage Growth Path in Cedar City
Clinical Police Officer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Police Officer
5-10 yearsPolice Officer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCedar City ranks #25 of 41 Utah cities for top earner police officer salary (90th percentile: $113,318).
Top 10% police officer compensation in Cedar City ($113,318) is 11.21% above the Utah average P90 ($101,892).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,507
2025 BLS Actual
$109,953
2026 Current Est.
$113,318
2019–2027 Growth
+16.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Cedar City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,507 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,691 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,953 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,785 | Projected |
Top-earning police officers (90th percentile) in Cedar City saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $100,507 in 2019 to $109,953 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $116,785 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar City 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.
Maximizing Your Police Officer Earnings in Cedar City
In Cedar City, those seeking higher compensation as senior police officers may find that specific specializations can command premium pay. Positions in investigative roles such as detectives, narcotics enforcement, or specialized units like SWAT and K-9 often come with increased salaries, reflecting the demanding nature of their responsibilities. Additionally, compensation varies significantly across different types of agencies. While local municipal departments generally offer good pay, federal law enforcement roles, such as those with the FBI or DEA, may provide even greater financial rewards due to their extensive training requirements and the challenging nature of their work. Furthermore, advancement in this career can follow various paths—from promotion to supervisor roles such as corporal or sergeant, to specialized tracks like federal recruitment. To support such advancement, obtaining advanced degrees or specialized certifications can positively influence salary calculations in Cedar City, where union contracts and pension multipliers also play key roles in overall compensation.
More salary data for Cedar City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced police officers make in Cedar City in 2026?
What drives higher police officer pay in Cedar City?
What certifications boost police officer salary in Cedar City?
Can experienced police officers make six figures in Cedar City?
How much does police officer salary increase over time in Cedar City?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $109,953 for police officers in the Cedar City metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar City 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