Police Officer Salary in Virginia
Based on 20K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$65,870
$31.67/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $97K
20K employed in Virginia
The median Police Officer salary in Virginia is $65,870 per year, which equates to approximately $32 per hour. This figure is 11.2% lower than the national average for police officers, indicating a potentially different cost of living or demand for the role within the state. Virginia employs nearly 20,000 individuals in this vital public service profession.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Virginia. These include years of experience, specific department budgets, location within the state (urban vs. rural), specialized units or assignments, and educational qualifications. Entry-level positions will typically fall at the lower end of the salary range, while more experienced officers may reach the higher end.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,000 |
| 25th percentile | $58,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,870 |
| 75th percentile | $78,480 |
| 90th percentile | $96,820 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,846 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,870 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,846 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,820 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Police Officer ($65,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in VA | $58,670 | -10.9% | $28.21/hr |
| Security Guard in VA | $43,640 | -33.7% | $20.98/hr |
| Producer and Director in VA | $65,900 | +0.0% | $31.68/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in VA | $65,940 | +0.1% | $31.70/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in VA | $65,550 | -0.5% | $31.51/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in VA | $65,040 | -1.3% | $31.27/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in VA | $64,920 | -1.4% | $31.21/hr |
| Social Worker in VA | $64,240 | -2.5% | $30.88/hr |
| School Counselor in VA | $67,660 | +2.7% | $32.53/hr |
| Paralegal in VA | $63,990 | -2.9% | $30.76/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in VA | $63,980 | -2.9% | $30.76/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in VA | $63,920 | -3.0% | $30.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Virginia?
- The median Police Officer salary in Virginia is $65,870 annually. This means that half of all police officers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The hourly rate for this median salary is approximately $32.
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Virginia?
- In Virginia, a Police Officer's salary typically falls between $50,000 and $96,820 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and departmental responsibilities within the state.
How does the Police Officer salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- The Police Officer salary in Virginia is 11.2% lower than the national average. While the median salary in Virginia is $65,870, the national median is higher, suggesting potentially different compensation structures or cost of living considerations.
How many Police Officers are employed in Virginia?
- Virginia has a substantial workforce dedicated to law enforcement, with a total of 19,970 Police Officers employed across the state. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the Commonwealth.