How much does a police supervisor make?
Answer: A typical police supervisor in the United States makes $106,040 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 155,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Police supervisor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $63,350 | $106,040 | $165,110 | about 155,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $163,960 | about 13,000 |
| New Jersey | $142,990 | about 8,000 |
| Hawaii | $140,590 | about 700 |
| Washington | $136,280 | about 3,000 |
| Illinois | $135,080 | about 5,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience and rank, the city or state, and the kind of agency can all change pay. Some departments add pay for night shifts, and the number of hours worked can also affect earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a police supervisor do?
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
What's a typical day like?
At roll call, a supervisor briefs officers on recent incidents and crime trends, then monitors the radio as they patrol and answer calls. They assign work, review reports, and keep the shift running smoothly.
How to get this job
In the United States, officers usually enter at 21 or older with at least a high-school diploma; some agencies require college. They pass screening, complete an academy and field training, work patrol, then compete for promotion, often by exam.
High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
A U.S. police sergeant interviewed by BLS worked the midnight shift in four 10-hour shifts each week.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Sources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/interview/print/police-sergeant.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-1012.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes331012.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- police.slc.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FY25-26PayScaleDetails.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY