Police Officer Salary in 2026
Police officers protect communities by enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations. They patrol areas, make arrests, and maintain public safety.
Median Salary
$65,000
$5,417/mo
Entry Level
$47,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$86,000
experienced
Job Growth
+3%
10-yr outlook
Police Officer Overview
Police officers protect communities by enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, and conducting investigations. They patrol areas, make arrests, and maintain public safety.
Education
High School Diploma / Associate's
Experience
Police Academy
Industry
Government
Total Jobs (US)
700K
5-Year Growth
+12%
Category
Government
Hourly Rate
$31.25/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,417
Police Officer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Police Officer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Police Officer Salary
$73,000
$6,083/month · $2,808/biweekly · $35.10/hr
Police Officer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Police Officer field.
Entry-level Police Officers earn around $47,000, while the top 10% earn $98,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Police Officers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $75,000 | +$10,000 |
| Illinois | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Texas | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Police Officers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $77,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $73,000 | +$8,000 |
| Chicago | $68,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $66,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $64,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Police Officer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Police Officer from entry level to expert.
$47,000
0-2 years
$67,000
3-7 years
$86,000
8-14 years
$110,000
15+ years
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Police Officer Salary FAQ
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