Public Service Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Police Officer Salary in Mississippi

The median police officer salary in Mississippi is $54,606 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$54,606
vs National
$-11,184
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Police Officer Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for police officer compensation. Police Officer salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,606 per year, police officers in Mississippi earn $11,184 less than the national median of $65,790.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $54,606 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $65,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: police officers at the 10th percentile earn $33,532, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,980 — a $54,448 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $55,922.

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for police officers across the country.

Police Officer Salary in Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level police officer earns around $34,860, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,340 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,860
$-7,140 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,780
$-11,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,340
$-16,660 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $33,532
25th Percentile $42,496
Median (50th) $54,606
75th Percentile $72,376
90th Percentile $87,980

Police Officer Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for police officers in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Police Officer in Mississippi

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Mississippi has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in Mississippi

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Mississippi's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Police Officer make in Mississippi? ▼
The median police officer salary in Mississippi is $54,606 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $33,532 (10th percentile) to $87,980 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,606, a police officer in Mississippi earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for police officers? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for police officer pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level police officers earn $34,860, while senior professionals earn $81,340.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for police officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for police officers is Hawaii at $111,843. Mississippi's median of $54,606 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($55,264) and West Virginia ($55,264).
What is the entry-level police officer salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level police officer in Mississippi earns approximately $34,860 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,780. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $81,340.
What city in Mississippi pays police officers the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for police officers, with a median salary of $55,922. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.