Police Officer
A Police Officer earns a median salary of $67,290 per year in the United States, typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
Police and detectives protect people and property. Police officers work in cities or towns patrolling and keeping order, responding to calls for help, enforcing laws, and investigating crimes.
$67,290
Median Salary
$72,000
Mean Salary
799,000
Total Employment
3%
Job Growth
About as fast as average
High school diploma or equivalent
Education
47,940
Openings/Year
Figures on this page are modeled estimates built from public BLS and NCES occupational and institutional categories, not official government reporting. Use them as directional guidance, not exact figures.
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $40,374
25th Percentile $52,486
Median $67,290
75th Percentile $86,131
90th Percentile $113,047
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 91,014
Texas 66,655
Florida 61,212
New York 41,549
Georgia 33,847
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $113,433 |
| 2 | New York | $111,067 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $110,822 |
| 4 | California | $106,228 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $99,949 |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $95,485 |
| 7 | Connecticut | $88,919 |
| 8 | New Hampshire | $88,120 |
| 9 | Alaska | $85,303 |
| 10 | Oregon | $84,389 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $82,236 |
| 12 | Vermont | $82,025 |
| 13 | Maryland | $80,112 |
| 14 | Colorado | $79,941 |
| 15 | Illinois | $76,427 |
| 16 | Arizona | $75,776 |
| 17 | Delaware | $75,663 |
| 18 | Washington | $75,354 |
| 19 | Virginia | $74,048 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $73,390 |
| 21 | Montana | $72,577 |
| 22 | North Carolina | $71,316 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $70,414 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $69,747 |
| 25 | Tennessee | $68,773 |
| 26 | Utah | $68,348 |
| 27 | North Dakota | $67,868 |
| 28 | Missouri | $67,222 |
| 29 | Nevada | $66,887 |
| 30 | Georgia | $66,795 |
| 31 | Alabama | $66,270 |
| 32 | Minnesota | $64,737 |
| 33 | Idaho | $64,474 |
| 34 | Michigan | $64,127 |
| 35 | Maine | $63,698 |
| 36 | South Carolina | $62,973 |
| 37 | Florida | $61,658 |
| 38 | Kentucky | $61,291 |
| 39 | New Mexico | $61,110 |
| 40 | Wisconsin | $61,070 |
| 41 | South Dakota | $60,837 |
| 42 | Texas | $60,830 |
| 43 | Arkansas | $60,495 |
| 44 | Kansas | $58,979 |
| 45 | Louisiana | $58,771 |
| 46 | Ohio | $58,700 |
| 47 | Iowa | $57,265 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $56,629 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $55,242 |
| 50 | Indiana | $54,259 |
| 51 | Oklahoma | $53,553 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Police Officer?
The median salary for a Police Officer is $67,290 per year nationally. Salaries range from $40,374 (10th percentile) to $113,047 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Police Officer?
A Police Officer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional on-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
What is the job outlook for Police Officers?
Employment of police officers is projected to grow 3%, described as about as fast as average. About 47,940 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Police Officers the most?
Massachusetts pays the highest median salary for police officers at $113,433 per year.