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Police Officer Salary in Missoula, MT

How much does a police officer make in Missoula? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Missoula's cost of living.

Median Salary
$74,510
per year in Missoula
Entry Level
$46,021
Starting salary
Senior Level
$104,095
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
114
14% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how police officer salaries break down across different pay periods in Missoula.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,021$74,510$104,095
Monthly$3,835$6,209$8,675
Biweekly$1,770$2,866$4,004
Weekly$885$1,433$2,002
Hourly$22$36$50

Missoula vs National Average

How Missoula's police officer salaries compare to national figures.

Missoula Salary
$74,510
COL Index: 114
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$1,490
Lower in Missoula

Cost of Living in Missoula

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$56,234
per year
Population
74,962
residents
Rent % of Income
36.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 114 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Missoula have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Police Officer

Overview

Protect public safety and enforce laws.

Education

High school diploma; police academy training required

Key Skills

Law EnforcementCrisis ManagementCommunicationPhysical Fitness

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Police Officer Salary

See Police Officer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,790
+42%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
+55%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
+46%
Houston, TX
$75,450
+1%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
+23%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Police Officer Salary in Missoula, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in Missoula, MT is $74,510 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 114. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Missoula's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in Missoula can expect to earn around $46,021 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $104,095 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Missoula's cost of living index of 114 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Missoula are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a police officer's salary in Missoula typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 27.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Police Officers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Missoula, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.