Police Officer Salary in the United States
Based on 671K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$74,181
$35.66/hr
Salary Range
$54K – $98K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
671K
workers nationwide
The median Police Officer salary in the United States is $74,181 per year, or approximately $36 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most officers earning between $53,751 and $98,125 annually. This vital profession plays a crucial role in community safety and law enforcement across the nation.
Several factors influence a Police Officer's pay. These include years of experience, specific department policies, location, and the responsibilities associated with the role. For instance, officers in higher cost-of-living areas or those with specialized duties may see their compensation shift. The overall demand for law enforcement also plays a part in salary trends.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,751 |
| 25th percentile | $62,399 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,181 |
| 75th percentile | $86,987 |
| 90th percentile | $98,125 |
Police Officer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Police Officer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $118,880 | +60.3% | 66K |
| 2 | Washington | $102,080 | +37.6% | 9K |
| 3 | Illinois | $100,520 | +35.5% | 29K |
| 4 | Alaska | $99,130 | +33.6% | 1K |
| 5 | Colorado | $97,350 | +31.2% | 10K |
| 6 | Delaware | $92,970 | +25.3% | 2K |
| 7 | New York | $92,790 | +25.1% | 53K |
| 8 | New Jersey | $92,610 | +24.8% | 22K |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $88,650 | +19.5% | 5K |
| 10 | Oregon | $88,140 | +18.8% | 5K |
Police Officer Salary by Industry
How much Police Officers earn across industries nationwide — Other Services (except Public Administration) pays the most ($98,750 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | +33.1% | — |
| 2 | Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | +12.7% | 370 |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | +3.2% | 642K |
| 4 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | -11.5% | 3K |
| 5 | Educational Services | $62,110 | -16.3% | 24K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,406 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,399 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,181 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $86,987 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,125 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in the US?
- The median salary for a Police Officer in the United States is $74,181 annually. This means half of all Police Officers earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $53,751 and $98,125.
Which states pay Police Officers the most?
- California stands out as the top-paying state for Police Officers, with an average annual salary of $118,880. This is significantly higher than the national median of $74,181, reflecting regional economic differences and demand.
How many Police Officers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 670,500 Police Officers employed across the United States. This substantial workforce is dedicated to maintaining public safety and enforcing laws nationwide.
Is the Police Officer salary range wide?
- Yes, the salary range for Police Officers in the United States is quite broad, spanning from $53,751 to $98,125 per year. This variation is influenced by factors like experience, location, and specific departmental pay scales, with the median at $74,181.