Police Officer Salary in Illinois
Based on 29K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$100,520
$48.33/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+35.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $120K
29K employed in Illinois
The median Police Officer salary in Illinois is $100,520 per year, which translates to approximately $48 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, standing at 35.5% above it. With 29,180 individuals employed in this role across the state, Illinois presents a competitive landscape for law enforcement professionals.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in Illinois. These typically include years of experience, the specific law enforcement agency (city, county, or state), educational attainment, and any specialized training or certifications. The salary range for these positions in Illinois falls between $58,420 and $119,560 annually, reflecting these variations.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,420 |
| 25th percentile | $76,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,520 |
| 75th percentile | $107,810 |
| 90th percentile | $119,560 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,536 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,520 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,536 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $107,810 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $119,560 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Police Officer ($100,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in IL | $78,380 | -22.0% | $37.68/hr |
| Security Guard in IL | $39,490 | -60.7% | $18.99/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | +0.0% | $48.34/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | -0.4% | $48.12/hr |
| Plumber in IL | $99,950 | -0.6% | $48.05/hr |
| Financial Analyst in IL | $101,180 | +0.7% | $48.64/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IL | $99,840 | -0.7% | $48.00/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -0.8% | $47.96/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in IL | $99,700 | -0.8% | $47.93/hr |
| Electrician in IL | $99,560 | -1.0% | $47.87/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in IL | $101,570 | +1.0% | $48.83/hr |
| Software Engineer in IL | $99,360 | -1.2% | $47.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Illinois?
- The median Police Officer salary in Illinois is $100,520 per year. This median reflects the midpoint of all salaries, with half of officers earning more and half earning less.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Illinois?
- The salary range for Police Officers in Illinois is quite broad, from $58,420 on the lower end up to $119,560 annually. This indicates significant potential for earning growth with experience and advancement.
How does the Police Officer salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- Police Officers in Illinois earn considerably more than the national average. The median salary in Illinois is 35.5% higher than the national median, suggesting stronger compensation for the role within the state.
How many Police Officers are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 29,180 Police Officers employed throughout Illinois. This substantial number highlights the demand for law enforcement professionals within the state's various communities.