Police Officer Salary in the USA
Police officers protect communities, prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and investigate criminal activities. They work in various specialisms from patrol to detective work.
Police Officer Take Home Pay
On the average Police Officer salary of $68,000, you would take home $56,224 per year ($4,685.33 per month) after federal tax and FICA.
Effective tax rate: 17.3%|Marginal rate: 22%
Police Officer Salary by Location
Police Officer salaries vary significantly by region. California and New York typically offer the highest salaries but also have higher costs of living and state income taxes.
Police Officer Salary Growth (2020-2025)
See how Police Officer salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.
+22.2%
Total Growth
+$12,367
Salary Increase
+4.1%
Annual Growth Rate
-1.6%
Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)
Year-over-Year Changes
Key Skills Required
Typical Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Police academy training
- Background check
Police Officer Career Progression
What Does a Police Officer Do?
Industries Hiring Police Officers
Calculate Your Take Home Pay
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Your Income
Enter your salary details for 2025
✓ No state income tax
Pre-tax contribution (max $23,500 in 2025)
Pre-tax health savings (max $4,300 self / $8,550 family)
Take Home Pay
$56,224.00/year
82.7% of gross income
- Gross Income$68,000.00
- Taxable Income$53,000.00
- Federal Tax-$6,574.00
- State Tax (TX)-$0.00
- Social Security-$4,216.00
- Medicare-$986.00
- Total Deductions-$11,776.00
17.3%
Effective Rate
22%
Marginal Rate
$68,000 Salary Insights
Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown
$68,000 vs US Wages
Above US median
+14%
vs US Median
$8,460
Above Median
Where Your $68,000 Goes
Annual breakdown of your salary
401(k) Tax Benefits on $68,000
See how 401(k) contributions reduce your tax bill
Increase your 401(k) contribution to see potential tax savings. Max contribution for 2025 is $23,500.
Related Public Sector Salaries
Police Officer Salary FAQ
What is the average Police Officer salary in the US?
The average Police Officer salary in the US is $68,000 per year. Salaries typically range from $45,000 for entry-level positions to $100,000 for senior roles.
How much does a Police Officer earn in California?
A Police Officer in California earns an average of $100,000 per year, which is 54% higher than the national average.
What is the take-home pay for a Police Officer?
On the average Police Officer salary of $68,000, you would take home approximately $56,224 per year ($4,685.33 per month) after federal income tax and FICA taxes.