Police Officer Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 12K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$78,090
$37.54/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$59K – $94K
12K employed in Wisconsin
The median Police Officer salary in Wisconsin is $78,090 annually, which translates to approximately $38 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a competitive compensation landscape for law enforcement professionals in the state. Currently, around 12,320 individuals are employed as police officers across Wisconsin.
Several factors can influence the Police Officer salary in Wisconsin. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned officers typically earning more than those just starting their careers. Additionally, the specific employing agency, whether a large city police department or a smaller municipal force, and the geographic location within Wisconsin can affect pay scales. Cost of living in a particular area also often correlates with salary.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,530 |
| 25th percentile | $67,450 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,090 |
| 75th percentile | $84,850 |
| 90th percentile | $94,450 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,433 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,090 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,433 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $67,450 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $84,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,450 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Police Officer ($78,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in WI | $46,850 | -40.0% | $22.52/hr |
| Security Guard in WI | $37,440 | -52.1% | $18.00/hr |
| Loan Officer in WI | $78,290 | +0.3% | $37.64/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in WI | $77,730 | -0.5% | $37.37/hr |
| Geoscientist in WI | $78,610 | +0.7% | $37.79/hr |
| Chemist in WI | $78,730 | +0.8% | $37.85/hr |
| Compliance Officer in WI | $78,800 | +0.9% | $37.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WI | $78,850 | +1.0% | $37.91/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in WI | $79,140 | +1.3% | $38.05/hr |
| Accountant in WI | $79,400 | +1.7% | $38.17/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in WI | $79,450 | +1.7% | $38.20/hr |
| Electrician in WI | $76,540 | -2.0% | $36.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer in Wisconsin?
- The median Police Officer salary in Wisconsin is $78,090 per year. This means half of all police officers in the state earn more, and half earn less than this amount. The hourly rate for this median salary is about $38.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Wisconsin?
- In Wisconsin, Police Officer salaries typically fall between $58,530 and $94,450 per year. This range reflects the varying levels of experience, responsibilities, and the specific departments where officers are employed.
How does the Police Officer salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in Wisconsin are approximately 5.3% higher than the national average. This suggests that law enforcement professionals in Wisconsin tend to earn more when compared to their counterparts across the country.
How many Police Officers are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 12,320 Police Officers employed throughout Wisconsin. This number reflects the total workforce in this profession across the state.