Police Officer Salary in Helena, Montana
The median police officer salary in Helena, MT is $61,843 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.
Police Officer Pay in Helena: What to Expect (2026)
Helena offers a median police officer salary of $61,843, which is $658 below the Montana state average of $62,501. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Helena's cost of living is 94% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for police officers in Helena spans from $37,976 at the 10th percentile to $99,640 at the 90th percentile — a $61,664 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,480, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,120. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Police Officer Salary in Helena by Experience
In Helena, an entry-level police officer earns around $39,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT
| Percentile | Helena |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,128 |
| Median (50th) | $61,843 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,968 |
| 90th Percentile | $99,640 |
Police Officer Salary in Other Montana Cities
How to Become a Police Officer in Helena
Education
Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Helena and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Helena may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Helena
Browse open police officer positions in Helena, MT: