Police Officer Salary in Ohio
Based on 23K+ workers in Ohio
Median Annual Salary (OH)
$77,020
$37.03/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+3.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $103K
23K employed in Ohio
The median Police Officer salary in Ohio is $77,020 per year, which translates to approximately $37 per hour. This figure is 3.8% higher than the national average, indicating a competitive compensation landscape for law enforcement professionals in the state. With 23,430 officers employed, Ohio offers a significant job market for this vital public service.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in Ohio, including experience level, specific department, and geographical location within the state. Entry-level positions typically start around $51,110, while experienced officers can earn up to $103,210. The responsibilities and demands of the role also play a crucial part in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Ohio
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,110 |
| 25th percentile | $62,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,020 |
| 75th percentile | $90,390 |
| 90th percentile | $103,210 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Ohio) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $77,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,331 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Ohio Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $77,020 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,331 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Ohio
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $90,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $103,210 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Ohio
How other high-demand occupations in Ohio compare to Police Officer ($77,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in OH | $59,370 | -22.9% | $28.54/hr |
| Security Guard in OH | $35,770 | -53.6% | $17.20/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in OH | $77,090 | +0.1% | $37.06/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in OH | $77,370 | +0.5% | $37.20/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in OH | $76,410 | -0.8% | $36.74/hr |
| Loan Officer in OH | $76,370 | -0.8% | $36.72/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in OH | $77,760 | +1.0% | $37.38/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in OH | $78,320 | +1.7% | $37.65/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in OH | $78,540 | +2.0% | $37.76/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in OH | $78,800 | +2.3% | $37.88/hr |
| Compliance Officer in OH | $75,030 | -2.6% | $36.07/hr |
| Accountant in OH | $79,320 | +3.0% | $38.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Ohio?
- The median Police Officer salary in Ohio is $77,020 annually. This means half of all police officers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Ohio?
- The salary range for Police Officers in Ohio typically falls between $51,110 on the lower end and $103,210 for the highest earners. This wide range reflects differences in experience and responsibilities.
How does the Ohio Police Officer salary compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in Ohio are 3.8% higher than the national average. This suggests that Ohio generally offers better compensation for this profession compared to the rest of the country.
Is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Ohio higher than the national average?
- While the provided data focuses on the annual median, the Ohio median of $37 per hour is 3.8% above the national median. This indicates that Ohio provides a more competitive hourly rate for its police officers.