Police officers in California had higher salaries than officers in any other state in 2023, earning a median of $113,460, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The other highest-paying states were Washington ($99,510), Illinois ($98,430), New Jersey ($91,850), and Alaska ($90,060). Salaries weren’t this high across the board, though — the national average was $72,280.
After accounting for cost-of-living variance among states, California remains the highest-paying state. Illinois and Washington swap the second and third spots, and Pennsylvania rises from ninth to fifth.
Which states pay police officers the least?
2023 officer salaries were lowest in Mississippi, where the annual median was $41,080. Other states on the lower end of the salary scale included Arkansas ($44,300), Louisiana ($47,800), South Carolina ($50,380), and Kentucky ($50,470).
These wages remain comparatively low even when adjusting for the cost of living. With a COL adjustment, police remain lowest-paid in Mississippi and Arkansas, followed by South Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia.
Which cities have the highest police salaries?
Police salaries are often paid by local governments and can vary broadly by metro area. In 2023, the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California metro area had the nation’s highest median police officer salary at $145,340 per year. The area has an above-average cost of living, but this region’s officers make the most even when that’s taken into account.
Sixteen of the 25 metro areas with the highest average police officer earnings were in California, even after adjusting for cost of living. The highest-paying metro areas in other states were:
- Kennewick-Richland, Washington (5th, $105,962)
- Anchorage, Alaska (7th, $105,331)
- Decatur, Illinois (9th, $103,621)
Which cities have the lowest police salaries?
Hammond, Louisiana, was the lowest-paying metro area in 2023, with an average police salary of $42,635 (cost-of-living adjusted). Other low-paying areas were Jackson, Mississippi ($43,796); Gadsden, Alabama ($44,898); Hattiesburg, Mississippi ($46,001); and Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana ($46,815).
Subscribe to get unbiased, data-driven insights sent to your inbox weekly.
How does police officer pay compare to pay for other public service-related professions?
Median 2023 salaries for police and sheriff’s patrol officers were about $7,000 higher than the median pay for high school teachers and more than $15,000 higher than firefighter and postal worker salaries. The only public service professionals who earned more, on average, were registered nurses.
Which cities have the lowest police salaries?
Hammond, Louisiana, was the lowest-paying metro area in 2023, with an average police salary of $42,635 (cost-of-living adjusted). Other low-paying areas were Jackson, Mississippi ($43,796); Gadsden, Alabama ($44,898); Hattiesburg, Mississippi ($46,001); and Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana ($46,815).
What benefits can police officers receive beyond pay?
Many law enforcement agencies provide extensive benefits, including earlier retirement than other professions. Standard benefits also include paid overtime and pay increases for specific qualifications like completing higher education and speaking multiple languages. The Justice Department’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program also offers death and education benefits to the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty.
Who funds the police?
Local police departments receive funding from the tax revenues of state and local governments as well as from federal grant programs. In 2022, the most recent year of data available from the US Census Bureau, state and local governments spent $140 billion on police. Local governments in particular were responsible for $119 billion, or around 85% of that spending.
Learn more about police spending in America and get the latest data on crime and policing by signing up for our newsletter.
Related economy articles
Read data analyses written by the USAFacts team.
Page sources and methodology
All of the data on the page was sourced directly from government agencies. The analysis and final review was performed by USAFacts.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wages
Office of Personnel Management
2022 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Salary Calculator
