Police Officer Salary by State 2024 (2024)

Federal Averages and Education

Nationally, the average salary for police patrol officers at the end of 2022 was $60,210. While different jobs within a police force earn varying salaries, there are some areas that offer patrol officers higher average salaries.

Each state has its own requirements to enroll in police officer training. Most states have age requirements of 21, though some allow new cadets as young as 18. There are also maximum age restrictions in most states as well.

Many police agencies require prospective officers to have a high school diploma or GED, although some require a Bachelor’s degree. There is often additional pay for those who have obtained higher education.

States With the Highest Average Salary for Patrol Officers

Nineteen states have higher average salaries for patrol officers than the national average. Alaska offers the highest average salary at $69,000 annually. California ($68,800), New Jersey ($68,100), Massachusetts ($67,000), and Connecticut ($66,600) complete the top five highest-paying states.

It is important when looking at state-level data to remember that salaries vary within the states themselves. Police officers are generally paid higher salaries in cities and suburbs while salaries are lower in more rural police forces. For example, in New York, the average annual salary is $59,700. However, In New York City, the average salary is $74,100. This shows how salaries can be affected by location within the state as well.

States With the Lowest Average Salary for Patrol Officers

There are twenty-eight states that have average police officer salaries that fall below the national average. Only two— Indiana ($60,200) and Ohio ($60,100)—have an average salary above $60,000. The lowest average salaries are in Idaho ($51,600), South Dakota ($52,700), Mississippi ($53,600), West Virginia ($54,600), and Wyoming ($54,800).

The same difference between rural and metropolitan salaries can be seen in these states as well. While Ohio’s average salary is about $60,000, the starting salary for a patrol officer in the Beachwood suburb of Cleveland was $74,500 per year as of 2021.