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Police Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Cape Girardeau

Police Officer

Cape Girardeau, MO · On-site

$78K/yr

Cape Girardeau Department: 3010 - POLICE Salary Range: $55,320 More about this job > Description General Definition of Work Performs work responsible for providing police services to the public for ...

Pineywoods Community Academy

Police Officer

Lufkin, TX · On-site

$49K - $69K/yr

Chief of Police Salary Range: $49,776 - $69,360 Primary Purpose: Patrols charter property to protect all students, personnel, and visitors from physical harm and prevent property loss due to theft or ...

Pineywoods Community Academy

Police Officer

Lufkin, TX

$49K - $69K/yr

Chief of Police Salary Range: $49,776 - $69,360 Primary Purpose: Patrols charter property to protect all students, personnel, and visitors from physical harm and prevent property loss due to theft or ...

City of St. Joseph

Police Officer

Saint Joseph, MO

$55K/yr

Police SALARY: $55,103.15/YR $26.491899/HR (Commissioned Officer) $39,137.94/YR $18.816317/HR (Emergency Services Trainee) Salary Negotiable based off experience. If candidate is not a Commissioned ...

Chicago State University

Officer, Police

Chicago, IL · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number S26260P Posting Date 08/20/2025 Closing Date 09/05/2025 Title Police Officer Working Title Officer, Police Salary Range Per Collective Bargaining ...

City of Pittsburgh, PA

Police Officer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$22.95/hr

Salary: See Position Description Location : Pittsburgh, PA Job Type: CS Competitive, Full Time Job ... Police work involves an element of personal danger, and officers must be able to function with ...

City of Pittsburgh

Police Officer

Pittsburgh, PA

$52K/yr

Public Safety, Bureau of Police Salary: $22.95 per hour while in Training Academy $33.15 Police Officer First Year. Civil Service Classification: Competitive Union: The Fraternal Order of Police ...

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Police Salary information

See salary details

$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do police salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for police salary in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 27 too late to become a cop?

Police departments often accept applicants in their late 20s, and 27 is generally not too late to pursue a law enforcement career. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass physical and background tests, and complete police academy training, which can be started at this age.

Can you make 300k as a cop?

Police officers' salaries vary widely depending on location, experience, rank, and department size. While some high-ranking or specialized officers in certain areas can earn close to or above $300,000 annually, it is uncommon for entry-level or standard officers to reach this level. Achieving such a salary typically requires many years of service, promotions, or working in high-paying jurisdictions with additional overtime or incentives.

What is the difference between Police Salary vs Police Officer Salary?

AspectPolice SalaryPolice Officer Salary
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigationsLaw enforcement agencies, patrol, investigations
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcementPolice departments, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The comparison between Police Salary and Police Officer Salary shows that both roles typically require similar credentials, work environments, and are used interchangeably in law enforcement. The main difference lies in terminology, with 'Police Salary' often referring to the pay range for police officers in general, while 'Police Officer Salary' specifies the salary for individual officers. Understanding this distinction helps job seekers better interpret salary data and job postings.

What police job gets paid the most?

The highest-paying police jobs are typically specialized roles such as police detectives, criminal investigators, or federal law enforcement agents like FBI agents or DEA agents. These positions often require advanced training, experience, and sometimes additional certifications, and they tend to offer higher salaries compared to standard patrol officers.

Can you make 200k as a cop?

Police officers' salaries vary widely depending on location, experience, rank, and department size. In some regions, high-ranking officers or those with specialized skills can earn around $200,000 annually, often through overtime, bonuses, or additional responsibilities. However, reaching this level is uncommon for entry-level officers and typically requires many years of service and advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by police officers in balancing administrative duties with fieldwork responsibilities?

Police officers often need to balance time spent on patrol or responding to incidents with significant administrative work, such as filing reports, attending court, and completing training. This can be challenging, as each aspect demands attention and accuracy. Officers must manage their schedules carefully to ensure that paperwork does not interfere with their ability to respond quickly to emergencies or maintain a visible presence in the community. Effective time management and organizational skills are essential to meet both operational and administrative expectations.

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

To thrive as a Police Officer, you need a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, physical fitness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with many agencies requiring completion of police academy training. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, radio communication systems, and sometimes certification in firearms or first aid is important. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience help officers interact effectively with the public and handle high-pressure situations. These skills are vital to ensure public safety, uphold the law, and maintain trust within the community.

What is the average salary of a police officer?

The average salary of a police officer varies depending on location, experience, and rank. In the United States, the median annual wage for police and detectives was about $69,160 as of May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level officers typically earn less, while those with more experience, specialized roles, or higher ranks can earn significantly more. Salaries may also include overtime pay, benefits, and retirement packages.
What cities are hiring for Police Salary jobs? Cities with the most Police Salary job openings:
What states have the most Police Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Salary jobs include:
Police Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.
Police Officer

Police Officer

City of Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau, MO • On-site

$78K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Police Officer
Summary
Title: Police Officer ID: 1023 Location: Cape Girardeau Department: 3010 - POLICE Salary Range: $55,320
More about this job >
Description

General Definition of Work

Performs work responsible for providing police services to the public for the purpose of maintaining public order and safety for the City of Cape Girardeau.

Essential Functions

Patrols assigned areas to identify and deter criminal activity and to identify safety hazards.

Responds to call for police service and provides assistance to citizens.

Issues citations and makes arrests for traffic law violations.

Investigates crimes, traffic accidents, missing persons and other incidents.

Interviews victims, witnesses and suspects.

Enforces local, state and federal laws by issuing warnings, summonses and by making arrests.

Writes reports of crime, accidents, arrests and other incidents.

Prepares cases for presentations to prosecutors.

Must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency required.

Minimum age 21.

Valid Missouri driver's license.

Must be certified as a police officer by the State of Missouri.

Must obtain certifications or qualifications in type lll breath alcohol testing, speed radar operation and handgun and patrol rifle operation.

Required to meet physical fitness standards as set by the department.

Must have no convictions for felonies or crimes involving domestic violence.

Applicants selected to participate in the hiring process will be required to participate in an interview, physical agility testing (pushing a car, body drag and climbing a fence) and background investigation.

Salary per year $55,320 plus a generous benefit package.

  • Bi-weekly pay periods.
  • Thirteen paid holidays per year.
  • 96 hours of vacation - accrued throughout the year.
  • 96 hours of sick leave - accrued throughout the year.
  • 2 days of personal leave per fiscal year. Must be employed on July 1 of the fiscal year to receive.
  • City paid monthly premiums for health and dental insurance - Employee only.
  • City paid monthly life insurance for employee only (1 times annual salary up to $50,000).
  • Optional group term life insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Optional vision insurance purchased at employee's expense.
  • Voluntary deferred compensation plan - not matched by the City.
  • Retirement (LAGERS) paid by the City. Missouri LAGERS - A Secure Retirement for All (molagers.org).
  • Total compensation value (Salary plus benefits value) for this position is $78,384 yearly.


Salary is based on a yearly work schedule of 2,184 hours.

Before final appointment, successful applicant will be required to successfully complete a drug test, pre-employment physical and pre-employment psychiatric evaluation.

The City of Cape Girardeau reserves the right to notify only those individuals selected for an interview as to their status of their application for employment. EOE/ADA/M/F/V

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