Public Service Nashville · 2026 +4.0% YoY proj.

Police Officer Salary in Nashville

Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how Police Officers in Nashville get paid in 2026.

$76,900
Median Police Officer salary in Nashville, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($81,100): -5% · Versus Tennessee state ($73,000): +5%
Range: $58,400 (P25) → $100,000 (P75) → $126,900 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$58,400
MEDIAN
$76,900
P75
$100,000
P90
$126,900
By Tenure

Police Officer Salary by Experience in Nashville

How pay scales with career stage in the Nashville metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$53,800$40,800$70,000
Junior (2–4 yrs)$66,900$50,800$87,000
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$76,900$58,400$100,000
Senior (10–14 yrs)$92,200$70,000$120,000
Veteran (15+ yrs)$104,500$79,400$136,000
Metro Comparison

Police Officer Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Police Officers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Nashville Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Nashville

Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.

→ See full Nashville salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Police Officer Salary in Nashville: FAQ

What is the average Police Officer salary in Nashville?

The average Police Officer salary in the Nashville metro is $76,900 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $58,400 to $100,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $126,900 or more.

Does Nashville pay more than the rest of Tennessee?

Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee state median for Police Officers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Nashville compare to other US metros for Police Officer pay?

Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville pays roughly in line with the national average for Police Officers. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.

What experience level does $76,900 represent?

In Nashville, the median Police Officer salary of $76,900 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Police Officers in Nashville start around $53,800, while seniors (10+ years) reach $92,200 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Police Officer in Nashville?

Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.

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