Public Service Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Police Officer Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median police officer salary in Owensboro, KY is $53,948 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$53,948
vs State Avg
$-3,289
vs National
$-11,842
Cost of Living
82%

Police Officer Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median police officer salary of $53,948, which is $3,289 below the Kentucky state average of $57,237. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $53,948 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Owensboro spans from $33,128 at the 10th percentile to $86,920 at the 90th percentile — a $53,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,360. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level police officer earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-17,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $33,128
25th Percentile $41,984
Median (50th) $53,948
75th Percentile $71,504
90th Percentile $86,920

Police Officer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$61,185
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$60,527
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$57,895
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$55,264
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Police Officer in Owensboro

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Owensboro and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open police officer positions in Owensboro, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Police Officer make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median police officer salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $53,948 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $33,128 (10th percentile) to $86,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,948, a police officer in Owensboro earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for police officer pay? ▼
Owensboro's median police officer salary of $53,948 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $57,237. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $53,948 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Owensboro? ▼
Most police officer positions in Owensboro require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.