Police officer salary
BLS occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · also called sheriff deputy · Protective service · data for May 2025
Median salary $76,210 a year, US
Median hourly pay $36.64 an hour
Middle half earn $59,290–$97,600 25th to 75th percentile
Police officers employed 670,520 +3.5% projected by 2035
How much does a police officer make?
- The median police officer salary in the US is $76,210 a year ($36.64 an hour): half of the 670,520 police officers BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $79,200.
- The middle half earn between $59,290 and $97,600. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $47,510 and the top 10% more than $115,120.
- That is 49% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- California pays police officers the most (median $118,880), followed by Washington ($102,080) and Illinois ($100,520). Mississippi pays the least ($46,140).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in California, where the median is worth $107,370 in typical US prices, then Illinois and Alaska.
- In 261 of the 376 metro areas with data, the median police officer salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of police officers to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 51,500 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what police officers are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Police officer salary range
Half of police officers earn between $59,290 and $97,600 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $47,510
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $59,290
Median Yearly pay: $76,210
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $97,600
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $115,120
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $47,510 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $59,290 |
| Median | $76,210 |
| Top 25% earn over | $97,600 |
| Top 10% earn over | $115,120 |
Police officer salary by state
California pays police officers the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($76,210), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| California | $118,880 median |
| Washington | $102,080 median |
| Illinois | $100,520 median |
| Alaska | $99,130 median |
| Colorado | $97,350 median |
| Delaware | $92,970 median |
| New York | $92,790 median |
| New Jersey | $92,610 median |
| District of Columbia | $88,650 median |
| Oregon | $88,140 median |
| Pennsylvania | $85,470 median |
| Hawaii | $83,820 median |
| Minnesota | $83,360 median |
| Connecticut | $82,170 median |
| Massachusetts | $78,940 median |
| Arizona | $78,880 median |
| Nevada | $78,140 median |
| Wisconsin | $78,090 median |
| Maryland | $77,970 median |
| Utah | $77,310 median |
| Rhode Island | $77,230 median |
| Ohio | $77,020 median |
| Texas | $75,900 median |
| Nebraska | $74,620 median |
| North Dakota | $74,500 median |
| Florida | $74,470 median |
| Iowa | $74,470 median |
| Michigan | $73,730 median |
| Indiana | $73,370 median |
| New Hampshire | $71,640 median |
| Montana | $70,050 median |
| New Mexico | $69,180 median |
| Vermont | $68,910 median |
| Maine | $67,050 median |
| Idaho | $66,990 median |
| Wyoming | $66,140 median |
| Virginia | $65,870 median |
| South Dakota | $60,740 median |
| Kentucky | $60,490 median |
| Oklahoma | $59,700 median |
| Missouri | $59,460 median |
| North Carolina | $59,300 median |
| Tennessee | $59,280 median |
| Kansas | $59,230 median |
| Georgia | $58,120 median |
| South Carolina | $58,070 median |
| West Virginia | $56,960 median |
| Alabama | $51,270 median |
| Louisiana | $48,380 median |
| Arkansas | $47,670 median |
| Mississippi | $46,140 median |
Where police officer pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Police officers' pay goes furthest in California once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| California | $107,370 |
| Illinois | $100,562 |
| Alaska | $96,845 |
| Washington | $95,390 |
| Colorado | $94,467 |
| Delaware | $93,149 |
| Pennsylvania | $87,597 |
| New York | $85,980 |
| Oregon | $85,274 |
| New Jersey | $85,116 |
Police officer pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $118,880 | $57.15 | $76,300 | $153,190 | 65,940 | $107,370 |
| Washington | $102,080 | $49.08 | $79,120 | $132,200 | 9,160 | $95,390 |
| Illinois | $100,520 | $48.33 | $58,420 | $119,560 | 29,180 | $100,562 |
| Alaska | $99,130 | $47.66 | $60,670 | $137,340 | 1,260 | $96,845 |
| Colorado | $97,350 | $46.80 | $65,340 | $109,300 | 9,610 | $94,467 |
| Delaware | $92,970 | $44.70 | $62,470 | $130,870 | 1,800 | $93,149 |
| New York | $92,790 | $44.61 | $53,000 | $118,250 | 53,470 | $85,980 |
| New Jersey | $92,610 | $44.52 | $57,740 | $134,260 | 21,780 | $85,116 |
| District of Columbia | $88,650 | $42.62 | $66,420 | $119,660 | 4,720 | $80,664 |
| Oregon | $88,140 | $42.38 | $66,380 | $109,350 | 5,030 | $85,274 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,470 | $41.09 | $48,680 | $109,780 | 26,510 | $87,597 |
| Hawaii | $83,820 | $40.30 | $77,480 | $108,110 | 2,420 | $76,234 |
| Minnesota | $83,360 | $40.08 | $60,670 | $106,160 | 9,160 | $84,526 |
| Connecticut | $82,170 | $39.50 | $63,310 | $102,660 | 6,500 | $79,307 |
| Massachusetts | $78,940 | $37.95 | $61,160 | $108,150 | 17,040 | $74,643 |
| Arizona | $78,880 | $37.92 | $60,990 | $98,560 | 12,010 | $78,350 |
| Nevada | $78,140 | $37.57 | $62,250 | $102,810 | 5,720 | $78,156 |
| Wisconsin | $78,090 | $37.54 | $58,530 | $94,450 | 12,320 | $82,991 |
| Maryland | $77,970 | $37.49 | $58,580 | $113,700 | 9,720 | $74,286 |
| Utah | $77,310 | $37.17 | $60,290 | $99,920 | 5,500 | $78,198 |
| Rhode Island | $77,230 | $37.13 | $59,020 | $91,760 | 1,940 | $75,508 |
| Ohio | $77,020 | $37.03 | $51,110 | $103,210 | 23,430 | $83,019 |
| Texas | $75,900 | $36.49 | $51,240 | $98,350 | 63,100 | $78,201 |
| Nebraska | $74,620 | $35.88 | $54,680 | $95,210 | 3,490 | $82,816 |
| North Dakota | $74,500 | $35.82 | $58,620 | $91,440 | 1,630 | $83,746 |
| Florida | $74,470 | $35.80 | $51,330 | $98,190 | 43,630 | $72,012 |
| Iowa | $74,470 | $35.80 | $59,360 | $101,520 | 5,130 | $84,854 |
| Michigan | $73,730 | $35.45 | $47,780 | $89,220 | 16,750 | $76,629 |
| Indiana | $73,370 | $35.27 | $52,170 | $100,010 | 12,980 | $78,614 |
| New Hampshire | $71,640 | $34.44 | $57,930 | $89,940 | 2,460 | $68,776 |
| Montana | $70,050 | $33.68 | $55,330 | $84,150 | 2,160 | $74,013 |
| New Mexico | $69,180 | $33.26 | $48,400 | $85,740 | 4,580 | $75,023 |
| Vermont | $68,910 | $33.13 | $53,950 | $95,530 | 1,020 | $70,346 |
| Maine | $67,050 | $32.24 | $55,930 | $91,270 | 2,120 | $69,088 |
| Idaho | $66,990 | $32.21 | $48,840 | $97,980 | 2,810 | $70,151 |
| Wyoming | $66,140 | $31.80 | $57,130 | $76,840 | 1,310 | $71,355 |
| Virginia | $65,870 | $31.67 | $50,000 | $96,820 | 19,970 | $65,151 |
| South Dakota | $60,740 | $29.20 | $47,540 | $91,900 | 2,000 | $68,566 |
| Kentucky | $60,490 | $29.08 | $38,780 | $77,970 | 7,890 | $67,093 |
| Oklahoma | $59,700 | $28.70 | $36,480 | $94,940 | 9,660 | $67,962 |
| Missouri | $59,460 | $28.59 | $43,210 | $90,770 | 13,570 | $65,472 |
| North Carolina | $59,300 | $28.51 | $46,040 | $80,240 | 22,370 | $62,867 |
| Tennessee | $59,280 | $28.50 | $43,520 | $79,480 | 15,630 | $64,526 |
| Kansas | $59,230 | $28.48 | $42,040 | $90,530 | 6,130 | $65,761 |
| Georgia | $58,120 | $27.94 | $43,690 | $76,250 | 22,170 | $60,357 |
| South Carolina | $58,070 | $27.92 | $45,060 | $78,760 | 12,930 | $61,942 |
| West Virginia | $56,960 | $27.38 | $41,950 | $69,980 | 2,900 | $63,645 |
| Alabama | $51,270 | $24.65 | $37,480 | $77,220 | 11,710 | $57,722 |
| Louisiana | $48,380 | $23.26 | $36,470 | $69,140 | 12,400 | $54,848 |
| Arkansas | $47,670 | $22.92 | $35,210 | $70,190 | 5,710 | $54,833 |
| Mississippi | $46,140 | $22.18 | $33,230 | $61,550 | 8,070 | $53,063 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Police officer salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes police officer pay: 380 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $136,140
- San Francisco, CA $132,000
- Carson City, NV $131,210
- Vallejo, CA $129,900
- Napa, CA $127,310
- Santa Rosa, CA $125,910
- Santa Cruz, CA $122,970
- Los Angeles, CA $121,980
- Santa Maria, CA $120,900
- Oxnard, CA $119,640
Where the pay goes furthest
- Carson City, NV $133,710
- San Jose, CA $123,290
- Vallejo, CA $119,747
- Santa Rosa, CA $116,817
- San Francisco, CA $114,174
- Napa, CA $113,110
- Santa Cruz, CA $111,897
- Santa Maria, CA $111,123
- Anchorage, AK $109,106
- Salinas, CA $108,417
All 380 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $136,140 | 2,590 | $123,290 | 34% |
| San Francisco, CA | $132,000 | 7,990 | $114,174 | 31% |
| Carson City, NV | $131,210 | 110 | $133,710 | 19% |
| Vallejo, CA | $129,900 | 690 | $119,747 | 23% |
| Napa, CA | $127,310 | 300 | $113,110 | 27% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $125,910 | 590 | $116,817 | 25% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $122,970 | 400 | $111,897 | 34% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $121,980 | 24,720 | $107,409 | 29% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $120,900 | 730 | $111,123 | 33% |
| Oxnard, CA | $119,640 | 1,330 | $108,238 | 30% |
| Salinas, CA | $118,220 | 930 | $108,417 | 28% |
| Seattle, WA | $115,120 | 4,520 | $103,588 | 23% |
| Anchorage, AK | $115,020 | 570 | $109,106 | 20% |
| Sacramento, CA | $111,460 | 5,420 | $104,490 | 24% |
| San Diego, CA | $110,400 | 4,950 | $98,671 | 32% |
| Chicago, IL | $107,810 | 22,680 | $104,069 | 24% |
| Redding, CA | $107,270 | 290 | $106,541 | 18% |
| New York, NY | $105,540 | 54,270 | $93,761 | 40% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $105,370 | 110 | $102,095 | 21% |
| Kennewick, WA | $104,570 | 340 | $104,487 | 19% |
| Denver, CO | $101,970 | 4,990 | $96,396 | 22% |
| Riverside, CA | $101,870 | 6,010 | $95,705 | 30% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $101,860 | 460 | $93,797 | 33% |
| Bellingham, WA | $101,810 | 310 | $98,525 | 23% |
| Bremerton, WA | $101,440 | 350 | $96,054 | 24% |
| Columbus, OH | $100,890 | 5,190 | $105,678 | 18% |
| Fresno, CA | $100,770 | 1,560 | $98,641 | 24% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $100,480 | 220 | $98,084 | 26% |
| Boulder, CO | $100,060 | 370 | $95,112 | 26% |
| Stockton, CA | $99,900 | 930 | $95,062 | 29% |
| Olympia, WA | $99,810 | 380 | $96,277 | 25% |
| Yakima, WA | $98,340 | 370 | $102,925 | 17% |
| Modesto, CA | $98,230 | 960 | $94,354 | 25% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $98,030 | 150 | $94,391 | 21% |
| Bend, OR | $97,230 | 290 | $93,845 | 27% |
| Portland, OR | $97,200 | 2,290 | $92,202 | 22% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $97,190 | 5,570 | $92,719 | 21% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $96,740 | 600 | $95,661 | 24% |
| Greeley, CO | $96,620 | 460 | $96,450 | 21% |
| Spokane, WA | $95,660 | 600 | $95,330 | 19% |
| Longview, WA | $94,930 | 120 | $97,319 | 18% |
| Chico, CA | $94,760 | 270 | $93,639 | 20% |
| Corvallis, OR | $94,720 | 110 | $91,062 | 23% |
| Lincoln, NE | $93,680 | 510 | $102,292 | 16% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $93,640 | 240 | $98,077 | 22% |
| Rochester, NY | $92,920 | 1,800 | $95,759 | 20% |
| Dallas, TX | $92,910 | 16,430 | $90,125 | 21% |
| Eugene, OR | $92,780 | 360 | $91,348 | 23% |
| Reno, NV | $92,130 | 1,030 | $91,205 | 27% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $91,580 | 1,240 | $90,937 | 23% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $91,530 | 230 | $95,965 | 18% |
| Visalia, CA | $90,910 | 540 | $91,069 | 23% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $89,580 | 13,160 | $87,349 | 25% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $87,930 | 1,360 | $80,359 | 31% |
| Medford, OR | $87,160 | 290 | $85,929 | 25% |
| Reading, PA | $87,060 | 690 | $89,697 | 21% |
| Lancaster, PA | $86,800 | 760 | $88,340 | 22% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $85,050 | 7,860 | $82,320 | 24% |
| Boise, ID | $84,940 | 950 | $86,329 | 27% |
| Allentown, PA | $84,530 | 1,610 | $84,557 | 26% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $84,470 | 1,480 | $85,626 | 21% |
| Binghamton, NY | $84,320 | 420 | $90,800 | 23% |
| Ithaca, NY | $84,320 | 200 | $81,613 | 28% |
| Salem, OR | $84,320 | 510 | $81,351 | 23% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $84,000 | 1,520 | $78,605 | 41% |
| Washington, DC | $84,000 | 14,630 | $77,146 | 34% |
| Honolulu, HI | $83,820 | 1,630 | $75,540 | 43% |
| Kahului, HI | $83,790 | 270 | $76,595 | 46% |
| Mankato, MN | $83,670 | 150 | $91,991 | 18% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $83,620 | 90 | $84,877 | 21% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $83,560 | 230 | $85,011 | 26% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $83,190 | 5,080 | $87,873 | 21% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $83,110 | 4,430 | $86,848 | 22% |
| Yuba City, CA | $83,090 | 240 | $79,716 | 29% |
| Springfield, MA | $83,050 | 1,570 | $86,455 | 28% |
| Waterbury, CT | $82,830 | 640 | $83,014 | – |
| Hanford, CA | $82,770 | 210 | $81,457 | 28% |
| Springfield, IL | $82,740 | 420 | $89,212 | 18% |
| Hartford, CT | $82,660 | 2,110 | $80,451 | 29% |
| Merced, CA | $82,540 | 490 | $83,989 | 30% |
| Austin, TX | $82,290 | 4,540 | $83,913 | 23% |
| New Haven, CT | $82,170 | 1,300 | $78,587 | 30% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $82,090 | 3,660 | $84,684 | 23% |
| Des Moines, IA | $81,810 | 1,240 | $89,214 | 19% |
| Decatur, IL | $81,800 | 200 | $92,511 | 16% |
| Laredo, TX | $81,690 | 780 | $93,944 | 17% |
| Green Bay, WI | $81,110 | 580 | $87,134 | 17% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $80,970 | 2,660 | $80,273 | 24% |
| Buffalo, NY | $80,950 | 2,110 | $84,460 | 22% |
| Erie, PA | $80,860 | 660 | $88,906 | 17% |
| Madison, WI | $80,580 | 1,600 | $82,827 | 27% |
| Bloomington, IL | $80,480 | 360 | $86,041 | 19% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $80,410 | 3,900 | $84,314 | 23% |
| St. George, UT | $80,330 | 300 | $82,541 | 28% |
| Cleveland, OH | $80,280 | 5,200 | $85,474 | 22% |
| Omaha, NE | $80,280 | 1,640 | $87,345 | 21% |
| Midland, TX | $80,260 | 340 | $83,794 | 23% |
| Barnstable, MA | $80,210 | 530 | $81,555 | 39% |
| Worcester, MA | $80,210 | 2,000 | $78,236 | 31% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $80,200 | 330 | $86,302 | 19% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $79,900 | 300 | $79,297 | 30% |
| Miami, FL | $79,840 | 14,710 | $69,940 | 40% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $79,670 | 230 | $86,935 | 17% |
| Norwich, CT | $79,580 | 650 | $79,227 | 32% |
| York, PA | $79,550 | 630 | $82,865 | 21% |
| Watertown, NY | $79,540 | 230 | $90,706 | 23% |
| Lebanon, PA | $79,430 | 210 | $85,213 | 22% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $79,280 | 450 | $89,116 | 19% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $79,210 | 820 | $85,566 | 19% |
| Waterloo, IA | $78,970 | 310 | $90,711 | 16% |
| Sioux City, IA | $78,940 | 220 | $91,309 | 20% |
| Amarillo, TX | $78,900 | 610 | $85,929 | 20% |
| Great Falls, MT | $78,870 | 130 | $81,439 | 22% |
| Kankakee, IL | $78,840 | 190 | $81,789 | 20% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $78,810 | 2,800 | $79,219 | 26% |
| Kenosha, WI | $78,780 | 360 | $77,909 | – |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $78,670 | 260 | $78,415 | 32% |
| Champaign, IL | $78,520 | 430 | $84,700 | 21% |
| Rockford, IL | $78,510 | 500 | $85,194 | 20% |
| Beaumont, TX | $78,450 | 830 | $87,122 | 20% |
| Detroit, MI | $78,450 | 7,860 | $78,217 | 23% |
| Albany, NY | $78,240 | 1,770 | $78,581 | 26% |
| Boston, MA | $78,180 | 11,440 | $72,211 | 46% |
| Wausau, WI | $78,150 | 250 | $84,349 | 15% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $78,130 | 1,320 | $77,444 | 28% |
| Ogden, UT | $78,070 | 820 | $77,798 | 25% |
| Racine, WI | $77,840 | 420 | $81,116 | 23% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $77,750 | 4,190 | $77,583 | 27% |
| Appleton, WI | $77,620 | 340 | $83,987 | 19% |
| Missoula, MT | $77,610 | 170 | $80,471 | 25% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $77,440 | 500 | $85,445 | 20% |
| Rochester, MN | $77,230 | 390 | $85,035 | 25% |
| Lubbock, TX | $77,110 | 790 | $84,442 | 21% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $77,070 | 1,030 | $76,895 | 36% |
| South Bend, IN | $77,070 | 670 | $82,998 | 20% |
| Tucson, AZ | $76,970 | 1,600 | $79,436 | 23% |
| Albany, OR | $76,940 | 140 | $75,357 | 26% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $76,940 | 280 | $80,899 | 27% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $76,880 | 380 | $87,731 | 19% |
| Providence, RI | $76,850 | 3,120 | $75,511 | 34% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $76,760 | 1,100 | $77,648 | 32% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $76,720 | 200 | $81,605 | 21% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $76,710 | 1,580 | $74,949 | 29% |
| Peoria, IL | $76,670 | 630 | $84,039 | 18% |
| College Station, TX | $76,570 | 490 | $84,188 | 24% |
| Baltimore, MD | $76,530 | 4,600 | $73,244 | 30% |
| Muskegon, MI | $76,430 | 280 | $82,610 | 20% |
| El Paso, TX | $76,400 | 1,700 | $84,972 | 24% |
| Dayton, OH | $76,310 | 1,440 | $82,325 | 21% |
| Provo, UT | $76,290 | 680 | $77,663 | 28% |
| El Centro, CA | $76,230 | 290 | $80,095 | 28% |
| Duluth, MN | $76,220 | 510 | $85,864 | 21% |
| Iowa City, IA | $76,190 | 320 | $83,260 | 28% |
| Fargo, ND | $76,180 | 420 | $83,833 | 17% |
| Abilene, TX | $76,070 | 400 | $84,182 | 31% |
| Pueblo, CO | $76,060 | 270 | $82,888 | 21% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $75,850 | 90 | $77,588 | 25% |
| Waco, TX | $75,850 | 690 | $81,956 | 22% |
| North Port, FL | $75,820 | 1,500 | $74,031 | 33% |
| Tampa, FL | $75,710 | 5,190 | $75,042 | 32% |
| Lansing, MI | $75,670 | 920 | $79,660 | 21% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $75,440 | 310 | $81,297 | 18% |
| Helena, MT | $75,430 | 200 | $78,840 | 26% |
| Memphis, TN | $75,410 | 3,630 | $81,808 | 22% |
| Midland, MI | $75,370 | 80 | $81,994 | 22% |
| Syracuse, NY | $75,370 | 1,410 | $78,722 | 26% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $75,270 | 2,970 | $83,256 | 22% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $74,920 | 1,440 | $78,412 | 26% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $74,810 | 340 | $78,880 | 21% |
| Sherman, TX | $74,680 | 270 | $79,641 | 22% |
| Akron, OH | $74,650 | 1,610 | $79,951 | 21% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $74,640 | 310 | $75,572 | 31% |
| Houston, TX | $74,570 | 16,250 | $75,607 | 26% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $74,500 | 220 | $85,965 | 18% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $74,450 | 190 | $79,654 | 28% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $74,410 | 480 | $73,761 | 31% |
| Burlington, VT | $74,400 | 390 | $73,701 | 42% |
| Bozeman, MT | $74,320 | 180 | $72,500 | 36% |
| Lafayette, IN | $74,320 | 350 | $79,546 | 24% |
| Janesville, WI | $74,220 | 360 | $79,208 | 21% |
| La Crosse, WI | $74,050 | 290 | $80,692 | 22% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $74,030 | 480 | $75,345 | 31% |
| Manchester, NH | $73,960 | 740 | $70,000 | 35% |
| San Antonio, TX | $73,860 | 5,130 | $77,980 | 23% |
| Ames, IA | $73,840 | 150 | $83,125 | 19% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $73,800 | 230 | $77,794 | 23% |
| Grand Island, NE | $73,710 | 190 | $85,059 | 22% |
| Toledo, OH | $73,650 | 1,230 | $80,531 | 21% |
| Portland, ME | $73,600 | 860 | $72,257 | 37% |
| Ocala, FL | $73,570 | 780 | $77,252 | 26% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $73,480 | 430 | $73,302 | – |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $73,400 | 980 | $79,205 | 23% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $73,380 | 1,780 | $76,801 | 24% |
| Elkhart, IN | $73,370 | 250 | $81,229 | 19% |
| St. Louis, MO | $73,240 | 5,950 | $77,023 | 23% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $73,110 | 370 | $81,675 | 21% |
| Naples, FL | $73,040 | 680 | $70,775 | 43% |
| The Villages, FL | $72,980 | 220 | $85,433 | 28% |
| Evansville, IN | $72,800 | 510 | $79,539 | 18% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $72,780 | 250 | $80,383 | 19% |
| Columbus, IN | $72,500 | 150 | $77,954 | 23% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $72,500 | 380 | $77,047 | 25% |
| Tyler, TX | $72,400 | 490 | $78,562 | 22% |
| Kokomo, IN | $72,300 | 140 | $80,649 | 18% |
| Scranton, PA | $72,210 | 1,360 | $77,184 | 23% |
| Dubuque, IA | $72,170 | 170 | $82,642 | 18% |
| Billings, MT | $72,070 | 320 | $77,059 | 23% |
| Bangor, ME | $71,340 | 270 | $73,921 | 25% |
| Bay City, MI | $71,020 | 200 | $77,262 | 17% |
| Longview, TX | $70,800 | 590 | $79,119 | 19% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $70,670 | 250 | $74,671 | 23% |
| Altoona, PA | $70,560 | 240 | $78,832 | 17% |
| Sandusky, OH | $70,550 | 320 | $79,020 | 31% |
| State College, PA | $70,510 | 360 | $72,870 | 33% |
| Killeen, TX | $70,240 | 840 | $77,075 | 22% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $69,700 | 230 | $69,336 | 32% |
| Trenton, NJ | $69,160 | 840 | $67,028 | 44% |
| Nashville, TN | $68,780 | 4,730 | $71,394 | 31% |
| Kingston, NY | $68,730 | 390 | $68,246 | 35% |
| Davenport, IA | $68,550 | 690 | $76,954 | 18% |
| Bloomington, IN | $68,170 | 270 | $71,695 | 31% |
| Vineland, NJ | $67,510 | 260 | $70,346 | 29% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $67,200 | 850 | $71,551 | 26% |
| Williamsport, PA | $66,710 | 230 | $72,236 | 20% |
| Lakeland, FL | $66,700 | 1,300 | $68,663 | 33% |
| Niles, MI | $66,610 | 360 | $72,112 | 25% |
| Lewiston, ME | $66,530 | 140 | $70,227 | 29% |
| Michigan City, IN | $66,460 | 200 | $72,490 | 22% |
| Traverse City, MI | $66,080 | 340 | $70,771 | 34% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $66,020 | 360 | $70,107 | 29% |
| Raleigh, NC | $65,860 | 2,430 | $67,097 | 30% |
| Burlington, NC | $65,700 | 370 | $70,497 | 24% |
| Rapid City, SD | $65,620 | 370 | $73,598 | 27% |
| Yuma, AZ | $65,510 | 350 | $70,664 | 26% |
| Monroe, MI | $65,300 | 190 | $69,846 | 23% |
| Elmira, NY | $65,180 | 170 | $69,048 | 21% |
| Jackson, MI | $65,160 | 240 | $70,997 | 22% |
| Huntsville, AL | $64,550 | 980 | $69,355 | 26% |
| Canton, OH | $64,340 | 510 | $71,964 | 21% |
| Flint, MI | $64,320 | 670 | $69,136 | 19% |
| Tulsa, OK | $64,190 | 2,310 | $71,951 | 26% |
| Muncie, IN | $64,040 | 230 | $72,651 | 20% |
| Topeka, KS | $63,920 | 610 | $71,966 | 23% |
| Lawrence, KS | $63,380 | 200 | $70,233 | 30% |
| Bismarck, ND | $63,230 | 270 | $69,465 | 25% |
| Louisville, KY | $63,220 | 2,270 | $67,924 | 25% |
| Charlotte, NC | $63,190 | 5,770 | $64,911 | 33% |
| Springfield, OH | $63,120 | 170 | $69,760 | 23% |
| Gainesville, FL | $63,050 | 720 | $65,179 | 31% |
| Orlando, FL | $63,010 | 5,400 | $62,129 | 37% |
| Logan, UT | $62,970 | 250 | $65,644 | 27% |
| Kansas City, MO | $62,960 | 4,820 | $68,033 | 29% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $62,750 | 390 | $71,297 | 24% |
| Richmond, VA | $62,720 | 3,410 | $64,093 | 33% |
| Farmington, NM | $62,200 | 230 | $70,918 | 27% |
| Lima, OH | $62,170 | 180 | $69,333 | 23% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $62,150 | 160 | $67,475 | 30% |
| Columbia, MO | $62,080 | 310 | $69,411 | 28% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $62,070 | 910 | $66,284 | 33% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $61,880 | 230 | $65,543 | 28% |
| Lexington, KY | $61,720 | 1,090 | $66,445 | 31% |
| San Angelo, TX | $61,610 | 300 | $66,639 | 26% |
| Owensboro, KY | $61,560 | 170 | $69,473 | 24% |
| Gainesville, GA | $61,400 | 420 | $63,452 | 33% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $61,050 | 230 | $72,848 | 23% |
| Atlanta, GA | $60,910 | 11,310 | $60,875 | 36% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $60,880 | 410 | $61,404 | 40% |
| Wichita, KS | $60,840 | 1,150 | $68,401 | 24% |
| Greensboro, NC | $60,830 | 1,700 | $65,504 | 28% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $60,720 | 430 | $67,308 | 29% |
| Athens, GA | $60,710 | 570 | $65,040 | 35% |
| Birmingham, AL | $60,590 | 2,730 | $66,115 | 28% |
| Charleston, SC | $60,570 | 2,320 | $59,993 | 40% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $60,550 | 360 | $67,144 | 24% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $60,520 | 1,240 | $60,517 | 37% |
| Utica, NY | $60,510 | 700 | $65,291 | 28% |
| Sebastian, FL | $60,320 | 310 | $61,358 | 42% |
| Auburn, AL | $60,230 | 410 | $68,495 | 32% |
| Minot, ND | $60,210 | 120 | $69,185 | 25% |
| Dalton, GA | $60,130 | 290 | $66,927 | 28% |
| Shreveport, LA | $60,130 | 1,370 | $70,936 | 26% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $60,110 | 260 | $67,355 | 26% |
| Durham, NC | $60,100 | 1,040 | $61,596 | 33% |
| Saginaw, MI | $60,070 | 230 | $66,090 | 21% |
| Savannah, GA | $59,930 | 1,090 | $62,948 | 35% |
| Roanoke, VA | $59,900 | 840 | $63,983 | 28% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $59,860 | 620 | $68,042 | 20% |
| Paducah, KY | $59,730 | 160 | $69,386 | 23% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $59,690 | 4,320 | $60,945 | 38% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $59,670 | 710 | $68,022 | 34% |
| Mansfield, OH | $59,560 | 210 | $67,018 | 18% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $59,540 | 440 | $64,658 | 32% |
| Youngstown, OH | $59,310 | 750 | $67,865 | 21% |
| Columbia, SC | $59,260 | 2,840 | $63,270 | 32% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $59,240 | 540 | $60,438 | 40% |
| Johnstown, PA | $59,240 | 200 | $68,941 | 18% |
| Dothan, AL | $59,210 | 430 | $70,629 | 25% |
| Crestview, FL | $59,130 | 660 | $60,939 | 40% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $59,030 | 340 | $65,175 | 26% |
| Winchester, VA | $58,960 | 220 | $61,130 | 37% |
| Daphne, AL | $58,860 | 560 | $62,161 | 35% |
| Pocatello, ID | $58,840 | 120 | $66,182 | 22% |
| Cleveland, TN | $58,800 | 250 | $66,757 | 29% |
| Panama City, FL | $58,750 | 440 | $60,383 | 35% |
| Salisbury, MD | $58,580 | 320 | $61,265 | 40% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $58,560 | 170 | $66,292 | 38% |
| Sebring, FL | $58,520 | 160 | $63,285 | 31% |
| Springfield, MO | $58,460 | 1,010 | $65,993 | 26% |
| Augusta, GA | $58,390 | 1,120 | $63,534 | 30% |
| Wheeling, WV | $58,380 | 300 | $66,098 | 18% |
| McAllen, TX | $58,360 | 1,820 | $67,943 | 23% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $58,260 | 230 | $61,396 | 35% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $58,170 | 270 | $67,340 | 21% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $58,150 | 430 | $65,072 | 27% |
| Asheville, NC | $58,090 | 710 | $60,193 | 35% |
| Hinesville, GA | $58,060 | 150 | $61,810 | 36% |
| Beckley, WV | $57,980 | 250 | $65,611 | 22% |
| Greenville, SC | $57,780 | 1,910 | $61,956 | 33% |
| Clarksville, TN | $57,610 | 730 | $63,345 | 28% |
| Charleston, WV | $57,460 | 510 | $64,768 | 25% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $57,440 | 1,310 | $62,406 | 32% |
| Greenville, NC | $57,190 | 520 | $64,693 | 31% |
| Texarkana, TX | $57,180 | 400 | $68,062 | 26% |
| Decatur, AL | $57,120 | 360 | $65,496 | 23% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $57,030 | 720 | $62,635 | 31% |
| Brownsville, TX | $56,820 | 820 | $66,089 | 32% |
| Pensacola, FL | $56,720 | 710 | $58,045 | 37% |
| Staunton, VA | $56,640 | 190 | $62,154 | 31% |
| Enid, OK | $56,510 | 140 | $67,059 | 24% |
| Knoxville, TN | $56,380 | 1,860 | $60,906 | 37% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $56,290 | 1,780 | $65,566 | 29% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $56,250 | 470 | $60,673 | 35% |
| Huntington, WV | $56,130 | 620 | $63,480 | 23% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $56,010 | 150 | $65,069 | 22% |
| Florence, AL | $56,010 | 310 | $66,036 | 23% |
| Victoria, TX | $55,820 | 250 | $62,133 | 25% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $55,540 | 130 | $63,791 | 23% |
| Weirton, WV | $55,140 | 270 | $61,938 | 18% |
| Morgantown, WV | $55,010 | 220 | $58,946 | 30% |
| Sumter, SC | $54,940 | 210 | $62,418 | 32% |
| Lawton, OK | $54,870 | 280 | $63,846 | 25% |
| Little Rock, AR | $54,840 | 1,520 | $61,367 | 27% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $54,500 | 240 | $62,075 | 22% |
| Albany, GA | $53,710 | 380 | $61,265 | 24% |
| Wilmington, NC | $53,520 | 1,210 | $55,506 | 39% |
| Deltona, FL | $53,510 | 1,220 | $53,851 | 40% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $53,420 | 870 | $58,476 | 35% |
| Jackson, TN | $53,320 | 460 | $62,347 | 31% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $52,950 | 450 | $56,457 | 34% |
| Hickory, NC | $52,260 | 770 | $59,060 | 37% |
| Manhattan, KS | $52,220 | 280 | $57,918 | 29% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $51,330 | 730 | $56,120 | 35% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $51,070 | 400 | $59,461 | 25% |
| Monroe, LA | $50,670 | 620 | $60,612 | 28% |
| Columbus, GA | $49,990 | 1,010 | $55,982 | 32% |
| Lafayette, LA | $49,900 | 910 | $57,219 | 33% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $49,570 | 230 | $57,723 | 30% |
| Jackson, MS | $49,160 | 1,620 | $55,206 | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | $48,970 | 2,040 | $52,885 | 39% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $48,710 | 1,980 | $53,657 | 34% |
| Florence, SC | $48,710 | 490 | $56,134 | 37% |
| Morristown, TN | $48,710 | 310 | $56,401 | 38% |
| Kingsport, TN | $48,620 | 690 | $56,243 | 33% |
| Montgomery, AL | $48,490 | 1,060 | $54,069 | 34% |
| Gadsden, AL | $48,340 | 240 | $56,437 | 27% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $48,160 | 740 | $52,360 | 36% |
| Gulfport, MS | $48,050 | 1,000 | $53,385 | 36% |
| Slidell, LA | $47,790 | 900 | $51,539 | – |
| Mobile, AL | $47,000 | 890 | $53,350 | 33% |
| Valdosta, GA | $46,960 | 270 | $53,200 | 34% |
| Macon, GA | $46,630 | 770 | $52,673 | 31% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $46,570 | 210 | $52,644 | 39% |
| Johnson City, TN | $46,560 | 340 | $52,952 | 38% |
| Joplin, MO | $45,460 | 360 | $53,034 | 33% |
| Anniston, AL | $44,890 | 320 | $52,229 | 26% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $44,850 | 140 | $52,315 | 33% |
| Houma, LA | $44,320 | 460 | $52,078 | 35% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $44,080 | 440 | $50,301 | 35% |
| Alexandria, LA | $43,980 | 390 | $51,327 | 28% |
| Hammond, LA | $40,560 | 380 | $48,023 | 39% |
What the median police officer salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $76,210 |
| Month | $6,351 |
| Every two weeks | $2,931 |
| Week | $1,466 |
| Hour | $36.64 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a police officer: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +3.5% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 51,500 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Game warden | $74,060 | Bachelor's degree |
| Firefighter | $59,280 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Detective | $93,790 | High school diploma |
| Correctional officer | $58,940 | High school diploma |
| Security guard | $38,020 | High school diploma |
Questions about police officer pay
How much does a police officer make an hour?
The median is $36.64 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $22.84 and the top 10% over $55.35.
How much does a police officer make a month?
About $6,351 a month before taxes at the median salary of $76,210, or $2,931 every two weeks.
What state pays police officers the most?
California, with a median of $118,880. Washington ($102,080), Illinois ($100,520), Alaska ($99,130) and Colorado ($97,350) follow.
Where do police officers make the most after cost of living?
California: its median of $118,880 is worth $107,370 at typical US prices. Illinois, Alaska and Washington come next.
How much do entry-level police officers make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of police officers earn under $47,510 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $59,290, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a police officer?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 33-3051 (Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.