Police Officer Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 27K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$85,470
$41.09/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+15.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $110K
27K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Police Officer salary in Pennsylvania is $85,470 per year, or about $41 per hour. This figure is 15.2% higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for law enforcement professionals in the state. Pennsylvania employs over 26,500 police officers.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Pennsylvania, including years of experience, the specific police department, and geographical location within the state. Larger cities or departments with higher crime rates may offer more competitive compensation packages. Specialized roles or overtime opportunities can also impact overall earnings.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,680 |
| 25th percentile | $63,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,470 |
| 75th percentile | $96,970 |
| 90th percentile | $109,780 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,034 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,470 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,034 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,780 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Police Officer ($85,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in PA | $73,460 | -14.1% | $35.32/hr |
| Security Guard in PA | $37,050 | -56.7% | $17.81/hr |
| Compliance Officer in PA | $85,580 | +0.1% | $41.14/hr |
| Network Administrator in PA | $86,140 | +0.8% | $41.41/hr |
| Web Developer in PA | $86,380 | +1.1% | $41.53/hr |
| Financial Analyst in PA | $84,460 | -1.2% | $40.61/hr |
| Budget Analyst in PA | $84,240 | -1.4% | $40.50/hr |
| Geoscientist in PA | $84,180 | -1.5% | $40.47/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in PA | $82,610 | -3.3% | $39.72/hr |
| Computer Programmer in PA | $89,180 | +4.3% | $42.88/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in PA | $81,540 | -4.6% | $39.20/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in PA | $80,810 | -5.5% | $38.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in Pennsylvania is quite broad, generally falling between $48,680 and $109,780 annually. This wide spectrum reflects variations in experience, location, and department responsibilities.
How does the median Police Officer salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- The median Police Officer salary in Pennsylvania sits at $85,470 per year, which is notably 15.2% higher than the national average. This suggests that officers in Pennsylvania tend to earn more than their counterparts across the country.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Pennsylvania?
- The median hourly wage for a Police Officer in Pennsylvania is approximately $41. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $85,470, providing a more granular look at compensation.
Is there a significant difference between the lowest and highest paid Police Officers in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, there is a substantial difference, with salaries ranging from $48,680 at the lower end to $109,780 at the higher end. This highlights the potential for significant earnings growth with experience and advancement within the field.