Police Earnings

The median annual wage of police and detectives was $56,980 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,060, and the top 10 percent earned more than $93,450.

The median wages for police and detectives occupations in May 2012 were as follows:

• $74,300 for detectives and criminal investigators
• $55,210 for transit and railroad police
• $55,270 for police and sheriff’s patrol officers
• $48,070 for fish and game wardens

Uniformed officers, detectives, agents, and inspectors usually are scheduled to work full time. Paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary because protection must be provided around the clock. Because more experienced employees typically receive preference, junior officers frequently work weekends, holidays, and nights.

Many agencies provide officers with an allowance for uniforms as well as extensive benefits and the option to retire at an age that is younger than a more typical retirement age.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition