Police Officer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $57,895 (2026)

Police Officer Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median police officer salary of $57,895, which is $4,606 below the Montana state average of $62,501. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Great Falls spans from $35,552 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $57,728 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,240

$-11,760 vs national

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$35,552	$38,380	$40,400
25th Percentile	$45,056	$48,640	$51,200
Median (50th)	$57,895	$62,501	$65,790
75th Percentile	$76,736	$82,840	$87,200
90th Percentile	$93,280	$100,700	$106,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$35,552

25th Percentile

$45,056

Median (50th)

$57,895

75th Percentile

$76,736

90th Percentile

$93,280

How to Become a Police Officer in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Police Officer make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median police officer salary in Great Falls, Montana is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $35,552 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $57,895, a police officer in Great Falls earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for police officer pay? ▼

Great Falls's median police officer salary of $57,895 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $62,501. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $57,895 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most police officer positions in Great Falls 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 Great Falls, Montana