How much do police earn in the USA?

Asked by: Miss Sophie Olson V  |  Last update: February 26, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (36 votes)

How much does a Police Officer make in USA? The average police officer salary in the USA is $59,184 per year or $28.45 per hour. Entry level positions start at $45,825 per year while most experienced workers make up to $88,307 per year.

What is the basic salary of USA police?

The estimated total pay for a Police Officer is $86,052 per year in the Us area, with an average salary of $71,049 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Where do cops get paid most?

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the patrol officer profession are San Jose, San Francisco, Napa, Vallejo, and Oxnard.

Is police a good career in USA?

That's a recent sign of strong demand for police officers, because from 2022 to 2023 the average salary for policing jobs rose by roughly 8%. “Police departments are trying hard to make the role more attractive after suffering a recruitment and retention crisis,” said ZipRecruiter Chief Economist Julia Pollak.

Do state troopers get paid more?

The average salaries for state troopers can vary significantly, depending on the state. State troopers in California and Georgia generally earn the highest salaries, while troopers in South Carolina earn the lowest.

Police Officer Salary by Country (per year)

37 related questions found

How many hours do cops work?

Police officers normally work full-time hours, and schedules often include long daily shifts. Some departments and agencies have traditional 40-hour workweeks for patrol officers, with five consecutive eight-hour shifts followed by two days off.

Is 30 too old to become a cop?

Do not assume that just because you are over 30, your chances of becoming a police officer are over. Some agencies have no maximum age. Most agencies expect officers to have a high school diploma or GED at a minimum. Some agencies require a bachelor's degree or a minimum number of college credit hours.

Is FBI higher than police?

If a crime is committed that is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, does the FBI “take over” the investigation? No. State and local law enforcement agencies are not subordinate to the FBI, and the FBI does not supervise or take over their investigations.

Do detectives get paid overtime?

Most police and detectives work full time. Paid overtime is common, and shift work is necessary to protect the public at all times. FBI special agents must work at least 50 hours a week and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can you make 200k as a cop?

Base salaries are often only $100k but then generous vacation compensation, incentives, 2x and 3x overtime, and such bring it close to $200k. Gold plated health and other benefits often bring current compensation for CA cops (CHP, BART, SF, &c) over $200k. Then generous pensions kick in.

What is the highest paying job in the world?

Topping the list, being a CEO gets you the highest paying job in the world, no matter where you work. A CEO is the highest-ranked position in any organisation's structure. Irrespective of the company's size, a CEO handles all its day-to-day corporate affairs, manages resources and handles all managerial processes.

How long is the lapd academy?

For six months in the Police Academy, officers are taught criminal law, human relations, Spanish, and report writing. In addition, they are trained in tactics, firearms, and driving. Physical fitness and self-defense play a big part in Academy training.

What state pays cops the most?

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).

How long does it take to be a cop?

Police Academy Training

Training programs vary in length but generally last between six months to a year, during which recruits undergo both classroom instruction and practical, scenario-based training.

Can FBI agents have tattoos?

Tattoos/Body Art/Branding:

Tattoos, brands, and body markings are prohibited on the head, face, neck, tongue, lips, and scalp. Hand tattoos are limited to one ring tattoo on one finger on each hand.

Is a sheriff a cop?

A Sheriff is generally (but not always) the highest, usually elected, law-enforcement officer of a county. Chiefs of Police usually are municipal employees who owe their allegiance to a city.

Are CIA agents cops?

The CIA, however, has no law enforcement function.

How old are rookie cops?

Most U.S. states set minimum hiring ages for police between 18 and 21 years old. That means these 18- to 21-year-olds have access not only to guns, something that is beginning to be questioned in the context of gun purchases, but also to the imprimatur and power of the state.

Can I be a cop at 50?

NO. As long as you can pass the physical standards and physical agility's tests, your age is not a factor.

Why is it so hard to become a cop?

The police academy

You will be trained in proper use of a firearm and you will also undergo intense physical training. Throughout the months of training, you will also need to pass exams to show mastery of the subjects taught. Making it through the police academy is a grueling process.

How long do cops sleep for?

As a patrol cop on a 12 1/2 hr day shift I could only see my wife and kids in the evening. 4:00 AM wake up meant I lived on 6 to 6 1/2 hours of sleep. On night shift I'd get home at 6:30 AM, see the kids off to school and my wife off to work, do some chores and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep before getting up at 4:00 PM.

Is being a police officer worth it?

It depends on one's values, career goals, and willingness to accept the inherent risks and challenges of the job. If the benefits of making a significant community impact, job stability, and career progression outweigh the potential drawbacks, a career in law enforcement may be the right choice.

Do cops get days off?

8-Hour Shifts: These are typical for many professions and involve working eight hours per day. For police officers, this often means five workdays per week with two days off. 10-Hour Shifts: A less common but still prevalent model where officers work four 10-hour days, followed by three days off.