Police Officer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 8K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$60,490
$29.08/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-18.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $78K
8K employed in Kentucky
The median Police Officer salary in Kentucky is $60,490 per year, which equates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is notably below the national average, with Kentucky officers earning 18.5% less. Currently, there are around 7,890 police officers employed across the state.
Several factors can influence the Police Officer salary in Kentucky. These include years of experience, specific law enforcement agency, location within the state, and any specialized training or certifications an officer may possess. Entry-level positions typically fall at the lower end of the salary range, while more experienced officers can earn closer to the higher end.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,780 |
| 25th percentile | $47,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,490 |
| 75th percentile | $68,990 |
| 90th percentile | $77,970 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,305 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,490 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,305 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,970 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Police Officer ($60,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in KY | $37,150 | -38.6% | $17.86/hr |
| Security Guard in KY | $35,420 | -41.4% | $17.03/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | -0.0% | $29.07/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | +0.2% | $29.14/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -0.3% | $28.98/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in KY | $60,150 | -0.6% | $28.92/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | +0.6% | $29.27/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | +1.0% | $29.38/hr |
| Paralegal in KY | $59,830 | -1.1% | $28.76/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | -1.3% | $28.71/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in KY | $61,390 | +1.5% | $29.51/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in KY | $61,480 | +1.6% | $29.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Kentucky?
- The median Police Officer salary in Kentucky is $60,490 annually. This median reflects a salary range from $38,780 for entry-level positions up to $77,970 for experienced officers.
How does the salary for Police Officers in Kentucky compare to the national average?
- Police Officers in Kentucky earn significantly less than the national average. The median salary in Kentucky is 18.5% lower than the national median, meaning officers here make considerably less than their counterparts across the country.
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Kentucky?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in Kentucky typically falls between $38,780 and $77,970 per year. The median salary of $60,490 sits within this range, with higher earnings for those with more experience or in specialized roles.
How many Police Officers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 7,890 Police Officers currently employed in Kentucky. This employment figure provides context for the overall job market and salary data within the state.