Police Officer
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
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% — 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.