How Much do Police Officers Make?

According to the US Labor Bureau, the median annual salary for police and sheriff's patrol officers is $47,460.

Salary Ranges for Full-Time Sworn Positions, 2006:

Average Annual Salaries for Specialty Positions:

Generally, salaries at the state level (median $52,540) are higher than at the local level (median $47,190) and the federal level ($43,510).

Police and detective supervisors earn a median of $69,310, earning more at the federal level (median $85,170) than at the state (median $68,990) or local (median $68,670) levels. For example, a police sergeant earns between $53,000 and $63,000, a lieutenant between $59,000 and $72,000, a captain $65,000-$81,000, and the chief of police up to nearly $100,000 annually.

Federal agents and inspectors have a different system that allows them to receive law enforcement availability pay (LEAP), which is equal to 25 percent of the agent's grade and step. This is awarded in anticipation of the extensive overtime expected of these positions. Thus, FBI agents start at about $48,000, but actually earn about $60,000 with availability pay. FBI supervisory positions earn about $89,000, translating to about $105,000 with availability.

Corrections officers earn a median of $35,760 (supervisors earn a median $52,580). Security guards earn up to $35,840, and private investigators up to $64,380. Forensic science technicians earn a median of $21.79/hour (or approximately $45,000/year).

According to Labor Bureau data from 2006, the 50th percentile of police officers and sheriff's officers was paid between $36,000 and $59,900 per year, with an average of $47,460. The highest 10 percent earned more than $72,000.

Law Enforcement Benefits

State, local and federal law officers are entitled to standard benefits that including vacation time, sick days, and health, dental, and life insurance. They are also  covered by liberal pension plans, many of these officers can retire after 25-30 years of service.