Average Police Officer Salary in Arizona
Police Officers in Arizona earn an average of $71,525 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +4.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$71,525
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.39
per hour
vs National
-4.5%
$74,910 national
Salary Range
$46,680
to $102,030
About Police Officer Careers in Arizona
Police officers protect communities by enforcing laws, investigating crimes, responding to emergencies, and maintaining public safety. They work for municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, state police agencies, and federal law enforcement. Beyond patrol, officers can specialize in detective divisions, SWAT, K-9, traffic enforcement, cybercrime, narcotics, and community policing. The national median annual salary is approximately $74,910, but total compensation including overtime, pension, and benefits significantly exceeds base pay in most jurisdictions.
In Arizona, police officers earn an average of $71,525 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $46,680 for entry-level roles to $102,030 for the most experienced professionals — +4.5% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by department size and jurisdiction — major city and state police agencies pay the most, overtime — patrol officers in high-crime departments regularly earn 20–40% above base in ot, and the specific metro area within Arizona.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$71,525
Cost of Living Index
102
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$70,123
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Arizona's cost of living (above average), a Police Officer's salary of $71,525 has the purchasing power of $70,123 in an average-cost area.
Police Officer Salary by City in Arizona
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $74,866 | $35.99/hr | $47,680 | $106,657 | 687 |
| Tucson, AZ | $68,183 | $32.78/hr | $45,680 | $97,402 | 660 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Arizona vs National Average
Police Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in Arizona
There are approximately 1,347 Police Officers employed across 2 metro areas in Arizona.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 2.5% flat rate
Police Officer Salary Range in Arizona
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$46,680
Starting salary for new Police Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$71,525
Mid-career Police Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$102,030
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Arizona
Police Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Police Officer salaries in Arizona with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Arizona Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Arizona?
The average Police Officer salary in Arizona is $71,525 per year ($34.39/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 4.5% below the national average of $74,910.
What is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Arizona?
Phoenix, AZ is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Arizona, with a median salary of $74,866 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Tucson, AZ at $68,183.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Arizona?
Police Officer salaries in Arizona range from $46,680 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $102,030 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $71,525 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Arizona. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.