Average Police Officer Salary in WashingtonNo State Income Tax
Police Officers in Washington earn an average of $89,412 per year across 1 metro area. This is +19.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$89,412
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.99
per hour
vs National
+19.4%
$74,910 national
Salary Range
$56,275
to $126,122
About Police Officer Careers in Washington
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 Washington, police officers earn an average of $89,412 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $56,275 for entry-level roles to $126,122 for the most experienced professionals — +19.4% 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 Washington.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$89,412
Cost of Living Index
118
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$75,773
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (above average), a Police Officer's salary of $89,412 has the purchasing power of $75,773 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Washington has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Police Officer Salary by City in Washington
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $89,412 | $42.99/hr | $56,275 | $126,122 | 845 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Washington vs National Average
Police Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in Washington
There are approximately 845 Police Officers employed across 1 metro area in Washington.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Police Officer Salary Range in Washington
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,275
Starting salary for new Police Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$89,412
Mid-career Police Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$126,122
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Washington
Police Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Police Officer salaries in Washington with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Washington Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in Washington?
The average Police Officer salary in Washington is $89,412 per year ($42.99/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 19.4% above the national average of $74,910.
What is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Washington?
Seattle, WA is the highest paying city for Police Officers in Washington, with a median salary of $89,412 per year.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in Washington?
Police Officer salaries in Washington range from $56,275 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $126,122 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $89,412 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 Washington. 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.