Law Enforcement Officer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$66,000
national median salary
$50,000 to $86,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$89,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$69,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$52,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Law Enforcement Officer salary in the United States is $66,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $50,000 at the 25th percentile to $86,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $89,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Agency level and geographic location are the dominant factors.
Law Enforcement Officer salary by city
Skills that increase Law Enforcement Officer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Law Enforcement Officers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $9,240 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$9,240 per year
≈ +$8,580 per year
≈ +$7,920 per year
≈ +$7,260 per year
≈ +$7,260 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$5,940 per year
What you should know
Agency level and geographic location are the dominant factors. Federal agents (FBI, DEA, USMS) earn 30 to 50% more than local police. Large urban departments in high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural agencies. Specialized units including detective, K-9, SWAT, and cybercrime command pay differentials of $3,000 to $15,000 annually.
Patrol officers start at $50,000 to $58,000. Senior officers and detectives earn $66,000 to $86,000 after five to eight years. Sergeants reach $75,000 to $100,000, lieutenants earn $90,000 to $120,000, and chiefs in midsize departments earn $120,000 to $180,000.
Overtime, court pay, and off-duty details can add 15 to 35% above base salary. Pension benefits are among the most generous in public service, with 20 to 25 year retirement at 50 to 70% salary. Many agencies provide take-home vehicles and uniform allowances.