Police Officer Salary in Colorado
Based on 10K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$97,350
$46.80/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+31.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $109K
10K employed in Colorado
The median Police Officer salary in Colorado is $97,350 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This figure significantly outpaces the national average, with Colorado officers earning 31.2% more. Currently, there are an estimated 9,610 police officers employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Colorado. Experience plays a significant role, with more seasoned officers generally commanding higher pay. Location within the state, the specific law enforcement agency, and the level of education or specialized training can also impact overall compensation.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,340 |
| 25th percentile | $76,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,350 |
| 75th percentile | $102,620 |
| 90th percentile | $109,300 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,271 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $97,350 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,271 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,300 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Police Officer ($97,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in CO | $74,170 | -23.8% | $35.66/hr |
| Security Guard in CO | $45,150 | -53.6% | $21.71/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CO | $97,100 | -0.3% | $46.68/hr |
| Accountant in CO | $97,030 | -0.3% | $46.65/hr |
| Logistician in CO | $96,090 | -1.3% | $46.20/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in CO | $95,880 | -1.5% | $46.10/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CO | $99,610 | +2.3% | $47.89/hr |
| Art Director in CO | $99,990 | +2.7% | $48.07/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CO | $100,080 | +2.8% | $48.12/hr |
| Loan Officer in CO | $94,520 | -2.9% | $45.44/hr |
| Registered Nurse in CO | $100,260 | +3.0% | $48.20/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | +4.1% | $48.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Colorado?
- The median Police Officer salary in Colorado is $97,350 annually. This indicates that half of all police officers in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Colorado?
- The salary range for Police Officers in Colorado typically falls between $65,340 and $109,300 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific departmental pay scales.
How does the Police Officer salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in Colorado are notably higher than the national average. On average, Colorado officers earn 31.2% more than their counterparts across the United States.
How many police officers are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 9,610 police officers employed throughout Colorado. This number represents the total workforce in this profession within the state.