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Police Chief Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spokane Airport

Police Chief

Spokane, WA · On-site

$101K - $143K/yr

Salary: $101,260.70 - $143,490.31 Annually Location : Spokane Airport; 9000 W. Airport Dr., Ste 204 ... The police chief is responsible for the enforcement of laws and security regulations; traffic ...

SGR

Police Chief - Independence, MO

Independence, MO · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

If so, apply to be the City of Independence's next Police Chief! We're looking for an exceptional ... The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000, depending on experience and ...

City of Horseshoe Bay

Police Chief

Horseshoe Bay, TX · On-site

Salary: $118,680 - $178,020 Are you able to provideWORLD CLASScustomer service? Do you enjoy ... Texas Police Chiefs Leadership Series * Leadership Command College * PERF Executive Development

City of Brawley, CA

Police Chief

Brawley, CA · On-site

$135K - $172K/yr

Salary : $135,000.00 - $172,287.00 Annually Location : Brawley, CA Job Type: Contract EE Job Number ... The Police Chief plans, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the Police Department ...

City of Bellevue, WA

Assistant Police Chief

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$189K - $261K/yr

Salary : $189,537.07 - $261,569.65 Annually Location : Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE ... This individual will work with the Chief of Police and a second Assistant Chief to guide the ...

Chickaloon Native Village

Tribal Police Chief

Palmer, AK · On-site

Tribal Police Chief Department: Tribal Police Mission: Helping Our Citizens and Community to Thrive ... This is a full-time, salary/exempt position, with competitive pay and a flexible benefits package ...

Chickaloon Native Village

Tribal Police Chief

Palmer, AK · On-site

Tribal Police Chief Department: Tribal Police Mission: Helping Our Citizens and Community to Thrive ... This is a full-time, salary/exempt position, with competitive pay and a flexible benefits package ...

Chickaloon Native Village

Tribal Police Chief

Palmer, AK · On-site

Tribal Police Chief Department: Tribal Police Mission: Helping Our Citizens and Community to Thrive ... This is a full-time, salary/exempt position, with competitive pay and a flexible benefits package ...

City of La Palma, CA

Police Chief

La Palma, CA · On-site

$170K - $228K/yr

Salary : $170,325.82 - $228,252.88 Annually Location : La Palma, CA Job Type: Full time Job Number ... EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT/EXEMPT The Police Chief plans, organizes, directs and controls all divisions ...

City of Le Sueur

Temporary Police Officer

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$42.33/hr

Police Chief Salary/Wage Range: $42.33/hour Application Deadline: Thursday, August 6th Interviews will be scheduled as qualified applications are received. Under direct supervision of the Police ...

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Police Chief Salary information

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$49K

$133.9K

$211K

How much do police chief salary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for police chief salary in the United States is $133,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What factors influence the salary range for a police chief?

The salary for a Police Chief is influenced by several factors including the size of the municipality, the department's budget, geographic location, and the candidate's years of experience and education. Larger cities or counties typically offer higher compensation due to the complexity and scale of operations. Additionally, advanced degrees or specialized certifications can positively impact salary, as can prior leadership experience within law enforcement. Negotiation and collective bargaining agreements may also play a role in determining final salary offers.

How hard is it to become a police chief?

Becoming a police chief typically requires many years of law enforcement experience, often 10 or more, along with advanced leadership skills and a thorough understanding of police operations. Candidates usually need to advance through ranks such as officer, sergeant, and captain, and may need to complete relevant education or training programs, including leadership development and management courses.

What is the difference between Police Chief Salary vs Police Captain Salary?

AspectPolice Chief SalaryPolice Captain Salary
Average Salary$85,000 - $150,000$70,000 - $120,000
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, law enforcement experience, leadership trainingHigh school diploma, law enforcement experience, leadership training
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership in police departmentsSupervisory role overseeing precincts or units
Industry UsageChief executive of police departmentMid-level management within police departments

The main difference between Police Chief Salary and Police Captain Salary lies in the level of responsibility and salary range. Police Chiefs serve as the top executives, earning higher salaries and overseeing entire departments, while Police Captains hold supervisory roles with slightly lower pay. Both roles require similar credentials and work in law enforcement environments, but their scope and leadership levels differ.

What is the average salary of a police chief?

The average salary of a Police Chief in the United States typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on the size and location of the department. In larger cities or departments, Police Chiefs may earn upwards of $200,000 annually, while smaller municipalities may offer lower salaries. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and allowances for vehicles or uniforms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police chief, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Chief, you need extensive law enforcement experience, a deep understanding of criminal justice, and often a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with law enforcement management systems, data analytics tools, and ongoing leadership training or certifications such as FBI National Academy are typical requirements. Strong leadership, crisis management, and interpersonal communication skills help build trust and guide diverse teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring public safety, effective department operations, and positive community relations.
More about Police Chief Salary jobs

What cities are hiring for Police Chief Salary jobs?

Cities with the most Police Chief Salary job openings:

What states have the most Police Chief Salary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Chief Salary jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Police Chief Salary jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Chief Salary jobs are:

Police Chief Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Chief Salary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,872 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Deputy Police Chief

Plainville Park Dept

Plainville, MA • On-site

$140 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Opportunities

Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button.

The Town is seeking a highly qualified law enforcement professional to serve as Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief performs advanced administrative, supervisory, and operational police work; assists the Police Chief with the day-to-day management of the Department; and serves as Interim Chief/Department Head in the temporary absence of the Police Chief.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000 DOQ (Inclusive)

Key Responsibilities

Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred; at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience, including operational and supervisory experience; a minimum rank of Sergeant; and at least five (5) years of supervisory experience within a law enforcement agency, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Candidates must also be graduates of a Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) approved academy or possess an approved waiver, maintain compliance with MPTC training requirements, and hold a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License, Massachusetts License to Carry (LTC), Class A, and current First Responder/CPR certification. The successful candidate must maintain all required licenses and certifications and pass all required background, physical, psychological, and drug screening examinations as a condition of employment.

The successful candidate must maintain all required certifications, complete mandated in-service training, and successfully pass all required background, physical, psychological, and drug screening examinations.

Knowledge and Abilities

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of police administration, investigations, supervision, labor relations, budgeting, and applicable state and federal laws. The position requires sound judgment, excellent oral and written communication skills, discretion with confidential matters, and the ability to lead effectively in both routine operations and emergency situations.

This position is performed in a demanding public safety environment requiring sound judgment, discretion, leadership, and the ability to respond to urgent and potentially hazardous situations. The role involves regular interaction with Town officials, employees, outside agencies, and members of the public.

The position is open until filled.

The Town of Plainville is an Equal Opportunity, Pay Equity, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant Employer.

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