The median annual wage for police and detectives was $60,270 in May 2015.
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 $34,170, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,560.
Median annual wages for police and detectives in May 2015 were as follows:
Detectives and criminal investigators
$77,210
Transit and railroad police
59,670
Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
58,320
Fish and game wardens
52,780
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 the typical retirement age.
Uniformed officers, detectives, agents, and wardens usually work full time. Paid overtime is common. Shift work is necessary, because the public must be protected at all times.
Union Membership
Most police and detectives belonged to a union in 2014.
Police and Detectives
Median annual wages, May 2015
Police and detectives
$60,270
Law enforcement workers
$52,070
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
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