Interim Police Chief information
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$48.2K - $63.5K
3% of jobs
$63.5K - $78.7K
9% of jobs
$93.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$78.7K - $93.9K
12% of jobs
$93.9K - $109.1K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $119.3K / yr.
$109.1K - $124.4K
16% of jobs
$124.4K - $139.6K
14% of jobs
$145.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$139.6K - $154.8K
13% of jobs
$154.8K - $170K
11% of jobs
$170K - $185.3K
5% of jobs
$185.3K - $200.5K
1% of jobs
How much do interim police chief jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for interim police chief in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
An Interim Police Chief is responsible for overseeing a police department on a temporary basis, often during a transition period between permanent chiefs. Their duties include managing daily operations, ensuring public safety, maintaining departmental policies, and providing leadership to officers and staff. They may also be tasked with implementing new initiatives, addressing community concerns, and preparing the department for a smooth transition to the next permanent chief. The interim chief must maintain stability and continuity within the department while upholding law enforcement standards.
To thrive as an Interim Police Chief, you need extensive law enforcement experience, leadership skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with police management systems, incident reporting software, and knowledge of state and federal regulations are essential, along with relevant certifications such as POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training). Strong decision-making, integrity, and effective communication skills help navigate community relations and lead diverse teams. These competencies ensure the department maintains public trust, operational stability, and effective policing during transitional periods.
As an Interim Police Chief, you may encounter challenges such as quickly gaining the trust of both departmental staff and the community, navigating ongoing investigations or initiatives started by your predecessor, and managing potential uncertainty within the ranks. Balancing the need for stability with potential calls for change requires strong communication and leadership skills. You’ll also need to collaborate closely with local government officials and community leaders to ensure continuity in public safety and maintain morale throughout the transition period.
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