Police Officer Salary in Tennessee
Based on 16K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$59,280
$28.50/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-20.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $79K
16K employed in Tennessee
The median Police Officer salary in Tennessee is $59,280 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This figure is 20.1% lower than the national average for the profession. Currently, around 15,630 individuals are employed as police officers across the state.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in Tennessee. These include the specific employing agency (city, county, or state), years of experience, specialized training, and geographic location within the state. Higher cost-of-living areas or departments with greater responsibilities may offer compensation towards the higher end of the $43,520 to $79,480 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,520 |
| 25th percentile | $48,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,280 |
| 75th percentile | $75,410 |
| 90th percentile | $79,480 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,280 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,058 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,280 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,058 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,280 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,480 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Police Officer ($59,280 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in TN | $49,300 | -16.8% | $23.70/hr |
| Security Guard in TN | $36,000 | -39.3% | $17.31/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | +0.5% | $28.63/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | -0.7% | $28.30/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in TN | $58,870 | -0.7% | $28.30/hr |
| Paralegal in TN | $58,820 | -0.8% | $28.28/hr |
| Truck Driver in TN | $58,620 | -1.1% | $28.18/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | +1.1% | $28.83/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | -1.1% | $28.17/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | +1.2% | $28.84/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in TN | $60,150 | +1.5% | $28.92/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -2.0% | $27.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Tennessee?
- The median Police Officer salary in Tennessee is $59,280 annually. This equates to about $29 per hour for officers in the state.
What is the salary range for a Police Officer in Tennessee?
- The salary for a Police Officer in Tennessee typically falls between $43,520 and $79,480 per year. This range reflects differences in experience and location.
How does the Police Officer salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in Tennessee are 20.1% lower than the national average. The median salary of $59,280 is significantly below the national median.
How many Police Officers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 15,630 Police Officers employed in Tennessee. This number reflects the overall demand for law enforcement professionals in the state.