Average Police Officer Salary in District of Columbia

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 District of Columbia, police officers earn an average of $88,447 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $57,524 for entry-level roles to $126,494 for the most experienced professionals — +18.1% above 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 District of Columbia.