As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Police Sergeant in the United States is $40, which translates to an annual salary of about $83,548.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Police Sergeant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Police Sergeant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Investigator | 0-0 years | $75,968 |
| Police Sergeant | 0-5 years | $83,548 |
| Police Lieutenant | 5+ years | $107,233 |
| Sheriff/Police Chief | 5-10 years | $130,560 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Police Sergeants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Standard Operating Procedures | 8.58% |
| SOP | 4.29% |
| Quality Control | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Planning
|
$89,396 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$88,561 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$87,725 |
5%
|
|
Economics
|
$87,725 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$87,725 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$87,725 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Police Sergeants enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Police Sergeant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,587 and $86,725).
Police Sergeant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 17.4% |
| Associates | 18.6% |
| Bachelors | 42.4% |
| Masters | 16.9% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Police Sergeant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Police Sergeant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $87,873 in 2023 to around $87,277 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Police Sergeant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $87,873 |
| 2024 | $87,967 |
| 2025 | $87,277 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Police Sergeant and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Responsible for supervising patrol officers and agents as assigned and maintaining the chain of command within the operations of the department. Responsible for developing training programs for department personnel, directing special units, preparing special reports or projects as assigned, receiving and reviewing reports from officers, and assigning personnel in accordance to specific needs. Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 5-7 years of law enforcement experience. Typically reports to a chief of police, captain, or lieutenant. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Standard Operating Procedures: A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
SOP: SOP is A standard operating procedure is a set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
Quality Control: Developing and implementing a set of procedures intended to maintain the quality of a product and reduce any risks or errors.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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