How Much Does a Police Officer I make?

Police Officer I made a median salary around $57,094 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $62,209 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $53,330. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Police Officer jobs in El Paso, Texas

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Best-Paying Cities for Police Officer I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Police Officer I profession are Bellaire , Houston , Galena Park , Alief , South Houston .
Bellaire, TX $65,747
Houston, TX $65,747
Galena Park, TX $65,681
Alief, TX $65,681
South Houston, TX $65,616

Best-Paying States for Police Officer I

The states and districts that pay Police Officer I the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $72,957) , California (around $72,302) , New Jersey (around $71,843) , Alaska (around $71,384) , and Massachusetts (around $71,319) .
District of Columbia $72,957
California $72,302
New Jersey $71,843
Alaska $71,384
Massachusetts $71,319

What is the Career Path of Police Officer I?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Police Officer I, the first career path typically starts with a Fire Fighter II position , and then progresses to Fire Captain.

The second career path typically starts with a Paramedic position , and then progresses to EMT/Paramedic Supervisor.

Additionally, the third career path typically progresses to Police Sergeant.

Besides, Police Officer I can also turn to other related jobs, including Police Officer , Police Patrol Officer , Campus Police Officer and School Police Officer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Police Officer I

Q: What is the salary range of Police Officer I in El Paso, TX?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Police Officer I in El Paso, TX earned an average annual salary of $53,330 , while the highest-paid made $62,209.
Q: What is the salary for a Police Officer I in California?
A: Police Officer I employed in California earned an average salary of $72,302 in 2024.

Average Police Officer I Pay vs. Other Jobs

Police Officer I earned an average salary of $57,094 in 2024. Other jobs related to Police Officer I earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Police Officer made $56,800 , Police Patrol Officer made $56,718 , Campus Police Officer and School Police Officer made $47,528 and $47,530 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Police Officer I

Police Officer - Average Salary $56,800
The Police Officer is responsible for responding to calls, taking necessary action at the scene of crime or disturbance, conducting investigations, making arrests, testifying in court, and completing reports/forms and routine paperwork. Responsible for patrolling an assigned area to prevent and discover crime and to enforce regulations. Being a Police Officer typically reports to a Police Sergeant. Requires an associate's degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 12 to 18 months of law enforcement experience. Working as a Police Officer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.
Police Patrol Officer - Average Salary $56,718
Police Patrol Officer is responsible for patrolling an assigned area to prevent and discover crime and to enforce regulations. Responsible for responding to calls, taking necessary action at the scene of crime or disturbance, conducting investigations, making arrests, testifying in court, and completing reports/forms and routine paperwork. Being a Police Patrol Officer requires an associate degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 12 to 18 months of law enforcement experience. Requires Firearms Certification. Additionally, Police Patrol Officer typically reports to a police sergeant. The Police Patrol Officer works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Police Patrol Officer typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Campus Police Officer - Average Salary $47,528
Campus Police Officer conduct patrols on campus to ensure security of buildings, students and staff. Responds to requests for assistance and emergencies. Being a Campus Police Officer enforces vehicle and traffic regulations. Investigates crimes. Additionally, Campus Police Officer may conduct educational activities related to safety and crime prevention. Typically require associate degree in criminal justice. May require POST(Peace Office Standards and Training) certification. Typically reports to Police Supervisor. The Campus Police Officer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Campus Police Officer typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
School Police Officer - Average Salary $47,530
The School Police Officer responds to requests for assistance and emergencies. Conduct patrols on campus to ensure security of buildings, students and staff. Being a School Police Officer investigates crimes. Enforces vehicle and traffic regulations. In addition, School Police Officer may conduct educational activities related to safety and crime prevention. Typically require Associate's degree in criminal justice. May require POST(Peace Office Standards and Training) certification. Typically reports to Police Supervisor. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Being a School Police Officer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Working as a School Police Officer typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Police Lieutenant - Average Salary $94,348
Police Lieutenant supervises a team of police sergeants and other law enforcement support staff. Responsible for officer assignments, patrol operations, and investigations. Being a Police Lieutenant prepares and reviews reports. Ensures all policies and procedures are followed. Additionally, Police Lieutenant coordinates in-service training, staff performance evaluation and development. Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or closely related field. Typically reports to a chief of police or police captain. The Police Lieutenant typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be a Police Lieutenant typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.