California departments pay extraordinarily — base + overtime + pensions are unmatched.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Police Officers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $56,700 | $41,600 | $74,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $70,500 | $51,700 | $92,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $81,100 | $59,500 | $106,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $97,300 | $71,400 | $127,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $110,200 | $80,900 | $144,100 |
Top 10 states by median Police Officer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125,700 | $95,600 | $163,500 | +55% |
| New York | $115,200 | $87,500 | $149,700 | +42% |
| Washington DC | $113,600 | $86,300 | $147,600 | +40% |
| New Jersey | $107,100 | $81,400 | $139,200 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $105,500 | $80,100 | $137,100 | +30% |
| Washington | $99,000 | $75,200 | $128,700 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $98,200 | $74,600 | $127,600 | +21% |
| Illinois | $97,300 | $74,000 | $126,500 | +20% |
| Maryland | $97,300 | $74,000 | $126,500 | +20% |
| Colorado | $94,900 | $72,100 | $123,400 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $69,000 | $52,400 | $89,600 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $68,100 | $51,800 | $88,600 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $68,100 | $51,800 | $88,600 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $68,100 | $51,800 | $88,600 | -16% |
| Alabama | $67,300 | $51,200 | $87,500 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $67,300 | $51,200 | $87,500 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $64,900 | $49,300 | $84,400 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $64,900 | $49,300 | $84,400 | -20% |
| West Virginia | $63,300 | $48,100 | $82,300 | -22% |
| Mississippi | $58,400 | $44,400 | $75,900 | -28% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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