Average Police Officer Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Police Officers in Tennessee earn an average of $69,219 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$69,219
per year
Hourly Rate
$33.28
per hour
vs National
-7.6%
$74,910 national
Salary Range
$45,299
to $100,389
About Police Officer Careers in Tennessee
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 Tennessee, police officers earn an average of $69,219 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $45,299 for entry-level roles to $100,389 for the most experienced professionals — +7.6% 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 Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$69,219
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$74,429
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Police Officer's salary of $69,219 has the purchasing power of $74,429 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Police Officer Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $73,406 | $35.29/hr | $47,242 | $109,411 | 747 |
| Memphis, TN | $65,031 | $31.26/hr | $43,355 | $91,367 | 606 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Police Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 1,353 Police Officers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Police Officer Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$45,299
Starting salary for new Police Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$69,219
Mid-career Police Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$100,389
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Police Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Police Officer salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Tennessee?
The average Police Officer salary in Tennessee is $69,219 per year ($33.28/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.6% below the national average of $74,910.
What is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $73,406 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $65,031.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Tennessee?
Police Officer salaries in Tennessee range from $45,299 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $100,389 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $69,219 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 Tennessee. 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.