Police Officer Salary in Independence, MO: $55,922 (2026)

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

Independence offers a median police officer salary of $55,922, which is $1,973 below the Missouri state average of $57,895. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $55,922 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,791 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Independence spans from $34,340 at the 10th percentile to $90,100 at the 90th percentile — a $55,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,700, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,300. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level police officer earns around $35,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$35,700

$-6,300 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,100

$-9,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,300

$-14,700 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$34,340	$35,552	$40,400
25th Percentile	$43,520	$45,056	$51,200
Median (50th)	$55,922	$57,895	$65,790
75th Percentile	$74,120	$76,736	$87,200
90th Percentile	$90,100	$93,280	$106,000

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$34,340

25th Percentile

$43,520

Median (50th)

$55,922

75th Percentile

$74,120

90th Percentile

$90,100

How to Become a Police Officer in Independence

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Independence and the surrounding Missouri 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 Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Independence

How much does a Police Officer make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median police officer salary in Independence, Missouri is $55,922 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $34,340 (10th percentile) to $90,100 (90th percentile).

How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Independence? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,922, a police officer in Independence earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for police officer pay? ▼

Independence's median police officer salary of $55,922 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $57,895. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $55,922 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Independence? ▼

Most police officer positions in Independence 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.

Police Officer Salary in Independence, Missouri