Police Officer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 5K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$88,650
$42.62/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+19.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $120K
5K employed in District of Columbia
The median salary for a Police Officer in the District of Columbia is $88,650 per year, which translates to approximately $43 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with officers in DC earning 19.5% more. There are currently 4,720 Police Officers employed in the District of Columbia.
Several factors can influence the Police Officer salary in the District of Columbia. These include years of experience, specific department or agency, rank, and specialized assignments or certifications. The salary range for Police Officers in DC typically falls between $66,420 and $119,660 annually.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,420 |
| 25th percentile | $77,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $88,650 |
| 75th percentile | $107,360 |
| 90th percentile | $119,660 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $88,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,310 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $88,650 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,310 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $88,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $119,660 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Police Officer ($88,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in DC | $75,870 | -14.4% | $36.48/hr |
| Security Guard in DC | $64,210 | -27.6% | $30.87/hr |
| Graphic Designer in DC | $87,920 | -0.8% | $42.27/hr |
| Paralegal in DC | $89,750 | +1.2% | $43.15/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in DC | $86,520 | -2.4% | $41.60/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in DC | $91,370 | +3.1% | $43.93/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in DC | $84,530 | -4.6% | $40.64/hr |
| Loan Officer in DC | $92,890 | +4.8% | $44.66/hr |
| Editor in DC | $83,920 | -5.3% | $40.35/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in DC | $94,080 | +6.1% | $45.23/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in DC | $82,750 | -6.7% | $39.78/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in DC | $82,150 | -7.3% | $39.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Washington D.C.?
- The median salary for a Police Officer in the District of Columbia is $88,650 per year. This means half of Police Officers earn more and half earn less than this amount.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in the District of Columbia?
- The salary range for Police Officers in the District of Columbia is between $66,420 and $119,660 annually. Entry-level positions may fall towards the lower end, while more experienced officers can earn closer to the higher end.
How does the Police Officer salary in Washington D.C. compare to the national average?
- Police Officers in the District of Columbia earn 19.5% more than the national average. The median salary of $88,650 is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Police Officers are employed in the District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 4,720 Police Officers employed in the District of Columbia. This indicates a substantial law enforcement presence within the city.