How Police Officers in Texas get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Texas compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $61,300 | $46,600 | $79,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $76,200 | $57,900 | $99,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $87,600 | $66,600 | $113,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $105,100 | $79,900 | $136,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $119,100 | $90,500 | $154,900 |
Pay varies sharply within Texas. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Texas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $91,500 | $69,500 | $119,000 | +4% |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $88,900 | $67,600 | $115,600 | +1% |
| Houston | $86,300 | $65,600 | $112,200 | -1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Texas — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Police Officer salary in Texas is $87,600 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $66,600 and the 75th at $113,900.
Pay-wise, Texas sits +8% above the national Police Officer median ($81,100). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Police Officers (10–14 years of experience) in Texas earn around $105,100 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $119,100 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Texas ranks 16th for Police Officer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $125,700 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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