Police officers play a critical role in our society. They keep us safe and enforce the law. But what does it take to become a police officer? And what are the expected police officer salaries, benefits, and challenges?
The Average and Median Police Officer Salary – Fresh Data
To answer those questions, let’s look at the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean annual police officer salary was $70,740 in 2021, which is $34 hourly. Of course, salaries vary based on experience, education, and location. The above average is across all job levels, states, and industries that an officer might be employed in.
The median police officer salary was $64,610 per year ($31 per hour). The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. In other words, it’s the “middle” salary. For comparison, the lowest-paid 10% of officers earn $40,190 or less, while the highest-paid earn at least $102,530.
What about other percentiles? The average salary at the 25th percentile was $50,630. This means that 25% of police officers earned less than this amount. The 75th percentile salary was $81,850, which means that 25% earned more than this amount.
Police Officer Salaries over the Years
In order to gauge police officer salaries over time, we can look at data from the last few years. The average earnings of policemen were:
- $57,770 in 2012;
- $61,270 in 2015;
- $65,460 in 2018;
- $70,740 in 2021.
As you can see, the salaries have increased steadily over the last decade. The increase is negligible if you take inflation into account, but at least they haven’t decreased.
States with the Highest Police Officer Salaries
Like all professions, police officer salaries vary based on the state you work in. The reason is usually the cost of living in that state. The higher the living expenses, the higher the pay will be to maintain the same standard of living.
The five states with the highest average salaries for the police in 2021 were:
- California – $102,920;
- Washington – $92,390;
- New Jersey – $91,690;
- Alaska – $87,510;
- Illinois – $82,800.
The police officer salary in California is especially high because it’s such a large and populous state. There are many police officers working there, so the average salary is pulled up by the higher salaries at the top end.
What Benefits Do Police Officers Enjoy?
In addition to their salaries, policemen also enjoy a number of benefits. For example, the New York Police Department offers their employees a package like this:
- Salary: $42,500 starting and $85,292 after 5½ years, including holiday pay, longevity pay, uniform allowance, night differential and overtime.
- Vacation time: 27 days after 5 years of service.
- Sick leave: unlimited with full pay.
- Medical coverage: prescription, dental, and vision.
- Annuity fund.
- Deferred compensation plans.
- Retirement: annual $12,000 variable supplement fund and the option to retire after 22 years at one half salary.
This means that policemen in New York not only enjoy a good salary, but also have excellent benefits. They make the job more attractive and help police officers to maintain their standard of living.
However, it’s important to remember that police officer salaries and benefits vary from state to state. So, if you’re considering a career in law enforcement, be sure to do your research.
What Do Police Officers Do?
The police has a variety of duties. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, patrolling neighborhoods, investigating crimes, and making arrests. They also write reports, testify in court, and provide community service.
Police officers face a number of challenges in their job. For example, they may be required to work long hours or odd shifts. They also deal with dangerous situations on a daily basis. And, of course, there is the stress that comes with the job.
How to Become a Police Officer?
If you want to be recruited as a police officer, there are a few things you need to do. First, you’ll need to complete high school or earn a GED. Then, you’ll need to complete police academy training. After that, you’ll need to pass a background check and physical examination. Finally, you’ll be sworn in and begin your career.
Police Officer Salaries Are Better Than They Seem
Joining the police is a great way to serve your community and help keep people safe. It’s also a good way to earn a good salary and enjoy excellent benefits. So, if you’re interested in a career in law enforcement, be sure to do your research and find out everything you can.
