Public Service Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Police Officer Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median police officer salary in Missoula, MT is $67,106 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$67,106
vs State Avg
+$4,605
vs National
+$1,316
Cost of Living
102%

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

Missoula offers a median police officer salary of $67,106, which is $4,605 above the Montana state average of $62,501. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $41,208 at the 10th percentile to $108,120 at the 90th percentile — a $66,912 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,840, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,960. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level police officer earns around $42,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,840
+$840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,320
+$1,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,960
+$1,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $41,208
25th Percentile $52,224
Median (50th) $67,106
75th Percentile $88,944
90th Percentile $108,120

Police Officer Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Police Officer in Missoula

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Missoula 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 Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Missoula

Browse open police officer positions in Missoula, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Missoula

How much does a Police Officer make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median police officer salary in Missoula, Montana is $67,106 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $41,208 (10th percentile) to $108,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,106, a police officer in Missoula earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for police officer pay? ▼
Missoula's median police officer salary of $67,106 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $62,501. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $67,106 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Missoula? ▼
Most police officer positions in Missoula 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.