Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Missouri
Estimated timeline: 21 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 4
A Person may be eligible for licensing as a peace officer if the individual is at least 21 years of age, a United States citizen, hold a vaild high school diploma or equivalent, a graduate of a Basic Law Enforcement Training Center, has passed a Missouri.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Center, has passed a Missouri
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department Of Public Safety • Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)Program
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,720 median (20% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (A Person may be eligible for licensing as a peace officer if the individual is at least 21 years of age, a United States citizen, hold a...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.).
- 5. Submit the application to Department Of Public Safety~Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)Program and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Missouri
With a median salary of $60,720, Police Officers in Missouri earn 20% below the national median of $76,290. Missouri ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 21 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,232Median annual salary
$60,720Hourly estimate
$29.1920% below national median
Difference: -$15,570
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $60,720 | Degree required | State exam required | 21 years |
| Iowa | $73,900 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $101,530 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $60,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Arkansas | $48,090 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-21 years |
| Oklahoma | $57,360 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $56,610 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $72,160 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department Of Public Safety • Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)Program
1101 North Riverside Dr Lewis and Clark Building, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 749, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0423
Phone: 5737514905ext5735263669
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $41,310 | Degree required | 21 years |
| Firefighter | $48,470 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $40,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $80,360 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Missouri?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Police Officers in Missouri?
Missouri lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Police Officer licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Missouri is $60,720. Salaries range from $41,970 (10th percentile) to $90,900 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Missouri earn 20% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $60,720.
How many Police Officers work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 12,750 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Missouri from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Missouri?
The licensing agency is Department Of Public Safety / Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST)Program. Review agency details at https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/post/licensing.php.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Missouri?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.