👮 How much does a police officer make?

About $37 an hour

• Base salary: A department's pay schedule sets officers' salary, which may rise with service time or rank. Source
• Overtime pay: Paid overtime is common for U.S. police and detectives. Source
• Extra pay for odd shifts: Salt Lake City's pay schedule adds 2.5% for afternoon work and 5% for graveyard shifts. Source
• Extra pay for skills: Some departments offer extra pay to officers with college degrees or bilingual skills. Source

In the United States, finish high school or an equivalent program and apply to a police agency. Pass its written, fitness, and background checks, then graduate from its academy and complete supervised field training. Many agencies require applicants to be at least 21, but rules differ.

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Apply to an agency and complete its tests and background checks.
3. Complete and graduate from the police academy.
4. Finish supervised field training and begin patrol work.

Qualifications and exams

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required; applicants are usually at least 21. Hiring tests, physical standards, academy training, and state certification rules vary.

At shift start, officers hear updates on recent incidents. They patrol an assigned area, answer emergency calls, and write reports about incidents. Shifts may include nights and weekends.

What does a new officer in Dallas earn?

Dallas's 2026 pay schedule lists an annual salary of $81,232 for a police officer in years 0–1. Source

Does police pay change by location?

Yes. The BLS publishes wage estimates for states and metro areas, and individual departments may have their own pay schedules. Source

Can night shifts bring extra pay?

It depends on the department. Salt Lake City's FY 2025/26 schedule adds 2.5% for afternoon shifts and 5% for graveyard shifts. Source

Do U.S. police officers get overtime pay?

Yes. The BLS says paid overtime is common for police and detectives in the United States. Source

Can a degree or language skills raise pay?

Some U.S. police departments offer extra pay to officers with a college degree or bilingual skills, but policies differ. Source

Do officers get uniforms and benefits?

Many agencies provide a uniform allowance and benefits. Some also let officers retire earlier than is typical for other workers. Source

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