A police sergeant salary in the USA can be a good step up from regular police officer pay, but the actual income can change a lot by state, city, police department, experience, overtime and rank. In 2026, current salary benchmarks put the average police sergeant salary around $83,564 per year, or about $40 per hour, while experienced officers in higher-paying departments can earn much more through base pay, overtime, special assignments and other pay. For official federal data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups this type of work under First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, which had a median annual wage of $106,040 in May 2025. This police sergeant salary guide explains police sergeant pay, average salary, hourly wage, monthly income, salary by state, starting salary, experience, overtime and other important factors that can change how much a police sergeant makes.
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What Is a Police Sergeant?
A police sergeant is a law enforcement officer who has moved into a supervisory position inside a police department. Instead of only handling normal patrol work, a sergeant may supervise police officers, review reports, manage shifts, respond to serious incidents and make sure department policies are followed. The exact duties are different from one department to another, but the position normally comes with more responsibility than a regular police officer.
Police sergeants are often responsible for a group of officers during a particular shift. They can also help train newer officers, check reports, coordinate emergency responses and communicate with higher-ranking officers such as lieutenants or captains. Because of this extra responsibility, police sergeant pay is usually higher than the salary of a basic police patrol officer.
The BLS does not publish a separate national occupation category only for police sergeants. Instead, the closest federal occupation is First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives. In May 2025, this occupation had a median annual wage of $106,040. Current private salary benchmarks for the specific title Police Sergeant are lower because they measure the job title differently and use different salary data. This difference is important when comparing police sergeant salary figures online.
Average Police Sergeant Salary in the USA
According to current Salary.com salary data updated September 1, 2026, the average police sergeant salary in the United States is about $83,564 per year. That is around $6,964 per month or about $40 per hour when converted to a normal full-time work schedule. The middle 50 percent range is roughly $72,457 to $95,955 per year, while the 90th percentile is about $107,236.
This does not mean every police sergeant will earn exactly this amount. Police departments use different pay scales, union agreements and promotion systems. A sergeant in a large city may have a very different salary from one working in a small town. Overtime can also make a big difference in actual yearly income.
- Average police sergeant salary: about $83,564 per year
- Average monthly pay: about $6,964
- Average hourly pay: about $40
- 25th percentile: about $72,457 per year
- 75th percentile: about $95,955 per year
- 90th percentile: about $107,236 per year
Police sergeant salary can also become higher when an officer receives overtime, holiday pay, shift differential, education pay, longevity pay or special assignment compensation. In some departments, these extra payments can make a large difference between base salary and actual yearly income.
Police Sergeant Salary by State
Police sergeant salary by state is different across the United States. Location, local government budgets, cost of living, department size, union contracts and demand for experienced officers can all affect pay. The table below uses current Police Sergeant salary benchmarks from Salary.com, updated September 1, 2026. These figures are useful for comparing the job title across states, while BLS data should be used separately for the broader first-line police supervisor occupation.
| State | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $76,770 |
| Alaska | $90,458 |
| Arizona | $81,425 |
| Arkansas | $75,492 |
| California | $92,171 |
| Colorado | $85,260 |
| Connecticut | $89,305 |
| Delaware | $84,625 |
| Florida | $79,068 |
| Georgia | $80,597 |
| Hawaii | $87,341 |
| Idaho | $78,007 |
| Illinois | $85,177 |
| Indiana | $80,213 |
| Iowa | $79,971 |
| Kansas | $79,570 |
| Kentucky | $78,634 |
| Louisiana | $79,453 |
| Maine | $81,475 |
| Maryland | $86,163 |
| Massachusetts | $90,943 |
| Michigan | $82,294 |
| Minnesota | $85,511 |
| Mississippi | $74,522 |
| Missouri | $79,394 |
| Montana | $78,893 |
| Nebraska | $78,726 |
| Nevada | $82,703 |
| New Hampshire | $84,478 |
| New Jersey | $90,575 |
| New Mexico | $77,397 |
| New York | $88,837 |
| North Carolina | $79,411 |
| North Dakota | $82,545 |
| Ohio | $81,366 |
| Oklahoma | $77,263 |
| Oregon | $84,859 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,188 |
| Rhode Island | $86,639 |
| South Carolina | $78,299 |
| South Dakota | $75,943 |
| Tennessee | $78,091 |
| Texas | $81,508 |
| Utah | $80,021 |
| Vermont | $82,018 |
| Virginia | $84,149 |
| Washington | $90,608 |
| West Virginia | $75,249 |
| Wisconsin | $82,202 |
| Wyoming | $80,138 |
Note: The state figures above are Police Sergeant-specific salary benchmarks. They should not be treated as the same measurement as the BLS First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives occupation, because the two sources use different job definitions and methods.
Police Sergeant Salary in Alabama
Police sergeants in Alabama earn around $76,770 per year based on the current salary benchmark used for this article. Actual pay can be different between cities and police departments. A sergeant with more years of service may also earn more through longevity pay, overtime and special assignments.
Alabama can have lower base salaries than some of the highest-paying states, but the cost of living is also lower in many areas. This means a police sergeant should look at the full compensation package instead of salary alone.
- Base police sergeant salary
- Overtime and holiday pay
- Health and retirement benefits
- Years of police service
- Local department pay scale
Police Sergeant Salary in Alaska
The current benchmark for a police sergeant in Alaska is about $90,458 per year. Alaska is one of the higher-paying states in this comparison. Location can still make a big difference because police work in larger communities and remote areas may have different staffing needs and compensation systems.
Alaska also has unique working conditions compared with many other states. Police departments may need officers who are comfortable working in difficult weather and in communities that are far from major population centers. Those factors can affect recruitment and pay.
Police Sergeant Salary in Arizona
A police sergeant in Arizona earns an average benchmark of about $81,425 per year. Large departments and metropolitan areas may offer different pay than smaller agencies. Experience, rank and overtime can push actual yearly income above the normal salary range.
Arizona has several growing population centers, so police departments can have different staffing requirements depending on the community. A person comparing police sergeant jobs should check the department's current salary schedule instead of looking only at a statewide average.
Police Sergeant Salary in Arkansas
The current police sergeant salary benchmark for Arkansas is about $75,492 per year. This is below the national Police Sergeant average used in this article. However, actual take-home income depends on the department, years of service and additional pay.
Some smaller departments may have a lower base salary but provide useful benefits such as retirement plans, health insurance and overtime opportunities. These benefits should be included when comparing police sergeant jobs.
Police Sergeant Salary in California
California is one of the highest-paying states for police sergeants in the current state comparison, with a benchmark of about $92,171 per year. Some individual cities and departments can pay considerably more than a statewide salary estimate, especially when overtime and additional compensation are included.
California also has a high cost of living in many areas, so a higher police sergeant salary does not automatically mean more purchasing power. Departments in major metropolitan areas can have different salary schedules and strong benefits packages.
- Higher base salary in many large departments
- Overtime opportunities can increase total income
- Special assignment pay may be available
- Experience can move officers into higher salary steps
- Retirement and health benefits can add substantial value
Police Sergeant Salary in Colorado
The average Police Sergeant benchmark in Colorado is about $85,260 per year. Pay can vary between major cities, suburban agencies and smaller departments. Officers moving into a supervisory rank can normally expect a noticeable increase compared with entry-level police officer pay.
Colorado police sergeants may also receive additional compensation depending on shift, overtime, training duties and department policy. For someone comparing police sergeant jobs, looking at the complete compensation package is more useful than salary alone.
Police Sergeant Salary in Connecticut
Connecticut has one of the stronger police sergeant salary benchmarks, at around $89,305 per year. The exact amount depends on the department and local agreement. Police salaries in Connecticut can also be affected by municipal budgets, collective bargaining and years of service.
Sergeants working in larger or higher-cost communities may see higher salary schedules. Benefits and retirement plans are also important parts of total compensation for a police supervisor.
Police Sergeant Salary in Delaware
The current Police Sergeant salary benchmark for Delaware is about $84,625 per year. Delaware is a smaller state, so salaries can vary noticeably between individual departments. A police sergeant with more experience and supervisory responsibility may earn above the average figure.
Overtime, holiday work and special assignments can also increase total yearly earnings. People considering a move into a sergeant position should check the department's rank-and-step salary schedule before making a comparison.
Police Sergeant Salary in Florida
Police sergeants in Florida have a current salary benchmark of about $79,068 per year. Florida has many different police agencies, from large metropolitan departments to smaller city and county agencies, so actual police sergeant pay can vary a lot.
Overtime is an important part of law enforcement income in many departments. A sergeant who works extra shifts, holidays or special events may earn considerably more than the base salary. Benefits such as health insurance and retirement should also be considered.
- Base salary and annual step increases
- Overtime opportunities
- Holiday and shift pay
- Department retirement plan
- Health insurance and other benefits
Police Sergeant Salary in Georgia
The current Police Sergeant salary benchmark in Georgia is around $80,597 per year. Pay can be different between large cities, county agencies and smaller police departments. Promotion to sergeant usually brings additional responsibility because the officer is now expected to supervise other officers and manage incidents during a shift.
Georgia police sergeant income can also increase through overtime and other department-specific payments. Officers with more experience may have access to higher salary steps or specialized supervisory assignments.
Police Sergeant Salary in Hawaii
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Hawaii is about $87,341 per year. Hawaii is one of the higher-paying states in this comparison, although the cost of living is also much higher than in many mainland states. Because of this, salary alone does not always show the full financial picture for a police sergeant.
Police sergeants in Hawaii may earn additional money through overtime, holiday work and special assignments. Experience and the salary structure of the individual police department can also have a strong effect on total yearly income.
Police Sergeant Salary in Idaho
A police sergeant in Idaho has a current salary benchmark of around $78,007 per year. The actual police sergeant pay can be higher or lower depending on the city, department size and years of service.
Idaho has both growing urban areas and smaller communities. This means salary schedules can be quite different from one department to another. Officers who move into supervisory positions can also receive additional compensation for overtime and special duties.
Police Sergeant Salary in Illinois
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Illinois is about $85,177 per year. Illinois has many different police agencies, so the salary of a sergeant can change significantly depending on the department and local government.
Large departments may offer stronger salary schedules and more overtime opportunities, while smaller departments can have different benefit structures. Police sergeants should compare base salary, overtime, retirement and health benefits when looking at a new position.
- Base police sergeant salary
- Overtime and holiday pay
- Longevity increases
- Retirement benefits
- Health insurance
- Special assignment compensation
Police Sergeant Salary in Indiana
Indiana has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of around $80,213 per year. A sergeant with several years of experience can earn more than the basic benchmark, especially when overtime and other department payments are included.
Police departments in larger Indiana communities may have different salary scales than smaller local agencies. The promotion to sergeant normally also means more responsibility for supervising officers and handling difficult calls.
Police Sergeant Salary in Iowa
The average salary benchmark for a police sergeant in Iowa is about $79,971 per year. Iowa police departments can have different pay systems based on local government budgets and collective bargaining agreements.
Experience is an important factor in police sergeant income. A sergeant who has spent many years in law enforcement may receive longevity pay or reach a higher salary step. Overtime can also increase total annual earnings.
Police Sergeant Salary in Kansas
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Kansas is approximately $79,570 per year. The exact salary depends on the department, location, rank structure and experience of the officer.
In addition to regular salary, Kansas police sergeants may receive overtime, holiday pay or other forms of additional compensation. Someone comparing departments should look at the entire compensation package rather than only the advertised base salary.
Police Sergeant Salary in Kentucky
Police sergeants in Kentucky have a current salary benchmark of around $78,634 per year. This figure represents a general market benchmark and individual police departments can pay more or less depending on their own salary schedules.
A sergeant normally has supervisory duties in addition to regular law enforcement responsibilities. This can include reviewing reports, supervising patrol officers, responding to major incidents and helping newer officers with difficult situations.
Police Sergeant Salary in Louisiana
The current police sergeant salary benchmark for Louisiana is about $79,453 per year. Actual police sergeant pay can vary by city, parish and police agency. Officers working in larger departments may have access to different overtime and specialty-pay opportunities.
Louisiana police sergeants can also see their yearly income change because of night shifts, holidays, overtime and special assignments. These payments can make the final annual income higher than the basic salary.
Police Sergeant Salary in Maine
A police sergeant in Maine earns a current benchmark of about $81,475 per year. Maine has many smaller communities, so local police department salary structures can vary considerably.
For experienced officers, moving into a sergeant role can provide higher base pay along with additional supervisory responsibility. Retirement and health benefits can also be an important part of total compensation.
Police Sergeant Salary in Maryland
Maryland has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of approximately $86,163 per year. The state has a mix of municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies, and each organization can have its own pay system.
Police sergeant income in Maryland can increase with experience and overtime. Larger agencies may also provide additional opportunities for specialized assignments and supervisory positions.
- Higher salary steps with experience
- Overtime and holiday compensation
- Supervisory responsibility pay
- Retirement benefits
- Health and insurance benefits
Police Sergeant Salary in Massachusetts
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Massachusetts is around $90,943 per year. This puts Massachusetts among the higher-paying states in the current comparison.
Police salaries in Massachusetts can vary significantly between communities. Local contracts, years of service, department size and overtime can all affect total earnings. A police sergeant in a busy department may have more opportunities to earn additional pay.
Police Sergeant Salary in Michigan
Michigan police sergeants have a current salary benchmark of about $82,294 per year. The actual amount can vary depending on the city or county, department size and the officer's experience.
Sergeants normally have responsibility for supervising patrol officers and making decisions during incidents. Because of these additional responsibilities, the position generally pays more than a regular patrol officer role.
Police Sergeant Salary in Minnesota
The current police sergeant salary benchmark for Minnesota is approximately $85,511 per year. Minnesota has a mixture of city, county and other law enforcement agencies, which means salary schedules are not the same everywhere.
Experienced sergeants can earn more through salary steps, overtime and special assignments. Benefits can also represent a significant part of the total compensation package for law enforcement supervisors.
Police Sergeant Salary in Mississippi
The current salary benchmark for a police sergeant in Mississippi is about $74,522 per year. This is one of the lower state benchmarks in the current comparison, but actual pay can differ depending on the police department and local salary structure.
A lower base salary does not always mean lower total compensation. Overtime, retirement, health insurance, longevity pay and other benefits can increase the overall value of a police sergeant position.
Police Sergeant Salary in Missouri
Police sergeants in Missouri have a current salary benchmark of approximately $79,394 per year. Pay varies between large city police departments, county agencies and smaller local departments.
Experience can make a noticeable difference in police sergeant income. Officers who have been in law enforcement for many years may receive higher salary steps and additional pay for working overtime or specialized assignments.
Police Sergeant Salary in Montana
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Montana is around $78,893 per year. Montana has a smaller population compared with many states, and police departments can have very different staffing needs depending on the community.
Police sergeants may earn additional money through overtime, shift work and special duties. Department benefits and retirement plans should also be considered when comparing salaries.
Police Sergeant Salary in Nebraska
A police sergeant in Nebraska has a current salary benchmark of about $78,726 per year. The actual police sergeant salary can change depending on the city, department and years of service.
Supervisory officers may also receive additional compensation for overtime, holidays and other assignments. Officers looking for promotion should check the complete salary schedule of their department.
Police Sergeant Salary in Nevada
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Nevada is approximately $82,703 per year. Nevada has large metropolitan areas as well as smaller communities, so police department pay can vary based on location.
Overtime can be an important part of police sergeant income. Officers who supervise busy shifts or work additional assignments may earn more than their normal base salary during a year.
Police Sergeant Salary in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of about $84,478 per year. The exact pay depends on the police agency, years of experience and local government salary agreements.
Because a sergeant is responsible for other officers, the job requires strong leadership and decision-making skills. Those responsibilities are reflected in the higher salary compared with many entry-level law enforcement positions.
Police Sergeant Salary in New Jersey
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in New Jersey is approximately $90,575 per year. New Jersey is one of the higher-paying states in this comparison, although salaries can vary substantially between individual police departments.
Police sergeants in New Jersey may also receive overtime, longevity increases, holiday pay and other compensation. In some departments, the combination of base salary and additional payments can push yearly earnings well above the basic salary figure.
- Base police sergeant salary
- Overtime income
- Holiday and special-duty pay
- Longevity increases
- Retirement and pension benefits
- Health insurance
Police Sergeant Salary in New Mexico
A police sergeant in New Mexico has a current salary benchmark of about $77,397 per year. Salary can vary between city police departments, county agencies and other law enforcement organizations.
Officers with more experience can move through salary steps and may receive additional compensation for overtime or special assignments. The overall compensation package can therefore be higher than the basic annual salary.
Police Sergeant Salary in New York
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in New York is approximately $88,837 per year. New York has many different law enforcement agencies, and actual salaries can vary widely between local departments.
Cost of living is also an important factor in New York. A higher salary in a major metropolitan area may not provide the same purchasing power as a lower salary in a less expensive part of the state. Police sergeants should compare salary with local living costs and benefits.
Police Sergeant Salary in North Carolina
North Carolina has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of about $79,411 per year. The state has many local police departments and sheriff-related law enforcement organizations, so pay can differ from one area to another.
Overtime, years of service and supervisory responsibilities can increase police sergeant income. Larger agencies may also provide more opportunities for special assignments and additional compensation.
Police Sergeant Salary in North Dakota
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in North Dakota is around $82,545 per year. The salary of a sergeant can vary according to department size, location and experience.
North Dakota police departments may also provide additional compensation for overtime, night shifts and special duties. Benefits such as retirement and health insurance are important when comparing law enforcement jobs.
Police Sergeant Salary in Ohio
A police sergeant in Ohio has a current salary benchmark of approximately $81,366 per year. Ohio has many municipal police departments, and each department may have a different salary structure for supervisory officers.
Police sergeants can increase their total income through overtime, holiday work and years-of-service increases. Promotion to sergeant can also open the door to additional supervisory and specialized assignments.
Police Sergeant Salary in Oklahoma
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Oklahoma is about $77,263 per year. Individual salaries can vary depending on the department, city and level of experience.
Oklahoma police sergeants can receive additional compensation through overtime and other department-specific payments. An officer considering promotion should check both the base salary and the benefits package.
Police Sergeant Salary in Oregon
The current police sergeant salary benchmark for Oregon is approximately $84,859 per year. Oregon has a mixture of larger city departments and smaller agencies, so the actual salary can be different across the state.
Officers with greater experience may earn higher salary steps, while overtime and special assignments can increase annual income. Benefits can also add significant value to the position.
Police Sergeant Salary in Pennsylvania
Police sergeants in Pennsylvania have a current salary benchmark of about $83,188 per year. Pennsylvania has a large number of local police agencies, so salary schedules can vary considerably.
A sergeant may supervise patrol officers, review reports, coordinate responses and help manage daily department operations. These responsibilities generally make the position more demanding than a standard police officer role.
Police Sergeant Salary in Rhode Island
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Rhode Island is around $86,639 per year. Since Rhode Island is a small state with many different local communities, salary differences between departments can still occur.
Police sergeant income may increase with experience, overtime and special assignments. Retirement and health benefits can also be important when evaluating the full value of a position.
Police Sergeant Salary in South Carolina
A police sergeant in South Carolina has a current salary benchmark of about $78,299 per year. The actual amount can vary by city, county and police department.
Officers who work extra shifts, holidays or special assignments may earn more than the standard salary. Experience and department salary steps can also affect yearly pay.
Police Sergeant Salary in South Dakota
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in South Dakota is approximately $75,943 per year. This is among the lower state figures in the current comparison, although the cost of living can also be lower than in many high-cost states.
Salary is only one part of compensation for a police sergeant. Retirement benefits, health insurance, overtime and job stability can make the overall package more valuable.
Police Sergeant Salary in Tennessee
Tennessee has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of around $78,091 per year. Pay can vary by department and location, especially between large cities and smaller communities.
Police sergeants can increase their yearly income through overtime, holiday pay and other additional compensation. Officers with more years of service may also receive higher salary steps.
Police Sergeant Salary in Texas
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Texas is approximately $81,508 per year. Texas has many large police departments as well as smaller municipal agencies, so actual police sergeant pay can vary significantly.
Overtime can be an important part of police income in Texas. A sergeant working in a busy department may earn considerably more than the basic annual salary when overtime and additional assignments are included.
- Base salary
- Overtime pay
- Holiday pay
- Longevity or service increases
- Special assignment pay
- Retirement benefits
Police Sergeant Salary in Utah
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Utah is about $80,021 per year. The salary can vary depending on the city, department and experience of the officer.
Utah police departments may use structured salary steps that allow officers to earn more as they gain experience. Overtime and additional responsibilities can also increase total yearly income.
Police Sergeant Salary in Vermont
Vermont has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of approximately $82,018 per year. Smaller departments can have different pay structures compared with larger agencies.
Police sergeants in Vermont can receive additional compensation for overtime, special assignments and other duties. Retirement and health benefits should also be considered when comparing police positions.
Police Sergeant Salary in Virginia
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Virginia is around $84,149 per year. Virginia has many local and regional law enforcement agencies, so the salary of a police sergeant can differ depending on the department.
Experience, supervisory duties and overtime can increase yearly earnings. Some departments may also provide additional compensation for education, specialized training or special assignments.
Police Sergeant Salary in Washington
Washington has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of about $90,608 per year. This makes Washington one of the higher-paying states in the current comparison.
Higher salaries in Washington should also be viewed alongside the cost of living, especially in major metropolitan areas. Police sergeants may earn additional income from overtime, holiday shifts and special assignments.
Police Sergeant Salary in West Virginia
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in West Virginia is approximately $75,249 per year. Salary can vary by department, city and years of law enforcement experience.
A sergeant with more experience may receive higher salary steps and additional compensation. Benefits such as retirement and health insurance can also make a significant difference to the overall value of the job.
Police Sergeant Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a current police sergeant salary benchmark of about $82,202 per year. Police departments across the state can have different salary schedules depending on local government budgets and employment agreements.
Police sergeant pay can increase with experience, overtime and special duties. Officers should compare the base salary with benefits and potential additional earnings before deciding whether a position offers good overall compensation.
Police Sergeant Salary in Wyoming
The current police sergeant salary benchmark in Wyoming is about $80,138 per year. The actual salary can change based on the police department, location, years of experience and local salary agreement.
Wyoming has smaller population centers compared with many states, so police departments can have different staffing needs. Overtime, special assignments and additional responsibilities can increase the total yearly income of an experienced police sergeant.
How Much Does a Police Sergeant Make a Year?
So, how much does a police sergeant make a year in the United States? The answer depends on the source and the exact job definition. A current Police Sergeant salary benchmark is around $83,564 per year. This works out to about $6,964 per month before taxes.
Federal BLS data gives a different figure because it covers the broader occupation of First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives. The median annual wage for that occupation was $106,040 in May 2025. It includes supervisory law enforcement jobs beyond only the job title of police sergeant.
For this reason, people searching for a police sergeant salary should check whether a salary source is reporting the exact Police Sergeant job title or a broader police supervisor occupation.
- Police Sergeant salary benchmark: about $83,564 per year
- Monthly equivalent: about $6,964
- Hourly equivalent: about $40
- Experienced supervisors can earn more
- Overtime can increase yearly income
- Location can have a major effect on pay
Police Sergeant Salary Per Month
The average police sergeant salary per month is around $6,964 before taxes when the annual benchmark of $83,564 is divided across 12 months. This is a simple monthly equivalent and should not be confused with actual take-home pay.
The amount a police sergeant receives in a paycheck will depend on taxes, retirement contributions, health insurance, pension contributions and other deductions. Some departments may also pay overtime separately, which can make monthly income change from one month to another.
A police sergeant who works extra shifts or receives special-duty pay may have some months with considerably higher gross income than the normal monthly salary.
Police Sergeant Salary Per Hour
Based on the current annual salary benchmark, police sergeant pay is around $40 per hour. This is an estimated hourly equivalent rather than a guaranteed hourly wage because many police departments use annual salary schedules instead of a simple hourly system.
Overtime can also be calculated differently depending on the department's contract and employment rules. A sergeant who works overtime, holidays or special assignments may therefore have an effective yearly hourly value that is higher than the basic salary calculation.
- Average hourly equivalent: about $40
- Regular shift pay depends on department salary rules
- Overtime may increase the effective hourly income
- Holiday and special-duty pay can add extra income
- Night-shift differentials may be available in some departments
Police Sergeant Starting Salary
A police sergeant does not normally start a law enforcement career directly as a sergeant. In most police departments, an individual first becomes a police officer and gains experience before becoming eligible for promotion to sergeant.
Because of this, there is no single nationwide police sergeant starting salary. The starting salary for a newly promoted sergeant depends on the department's rank structure, salary steps, union contract and previous years of service.
A newly promoted sergeant may move to a higher pay grade, but the exact increase can be different from one department to another. Some departments have a fixed promotional salary while others use a step system.
Police Sergeant Salary With Experience
Experience can have a strong effect on police sergeant salary. An officer who has spent many years in law enforcement may move through several salary steps after becoming a sergeant. Long service can also qualify an employee for longevity pay in some departments.
Experienced police sergeants may also have more opportunities to work special assignments, training roles or other supervisory duties. These opportunities can increase total income beyond the standard base salary.
- Years of police service
- Years working as a sergeant
- Salary step increases
- Longevity pay
- Overtime experience and availability
- Specialized supervisory assignments
- Education and training qualifications
Police Sergeant Salary With Overtime
Overtime can make a major difference in police sergeant income. A sergeant may work beyond the normal scheduled hours because of staffing shortages, major incidents, special events, investigations or emergency situations.
Because overtime depends on how much extra work is available and whether the officer chooses or is required to work it, there is no reliable single national number for police sergeant salary with overtime.
In some departments, overtime can add thousands of dollars to annual gross income. In particularly busy departments, total compensation can become much higher than the basic salary when overtime and special-duty work are included.
Highest Paying States for Police Sergeants
Based on the Police Sergeant-specific state salary benchmarks used in this article, several states are near the top of the list. California, Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington are among the higher-paying states in the current comparison.
However, a state with a higher average salary is not automatically the best place financially. Cost of living, housing prices, taxes, commute costs, retirement benefits and overtime opportunities can all change the real value of a police sergeant salary.
- California: about $92,171
- Alaska: about $90,458
- Massachusetts: about $90,943
- New Jersey: about $90,575
- Washington: about $90,608
- Connecticut: about $89,305
- New York: about $88,837
- Hawaii: about $87,341
These figures are salary benchmarks for the Police Sergeant job title and should not be confused with BLS figures for the broader first-line police supervisor occupation.
What Affects Police Sergeant Salary?
There is not one fixed police sergeant salary for every officer in the USA. Police departments normally have their own pay structures. Two sergeants with similar experience can earn different amounts because they work for different agencies.
The biggest factors that can affect police sergeant pay include location, department size, years of service, overtime and collective bargaining agreements.
- Location: Salaries can be higher in some cities and states.
- Department size: Large agencies may have different salary structures and more assignments.
- Experience: More years of service can lead to higher salary steps.
- Overtime: Extra hours can increase total yearly income.
- Rank: Higher supervisory ranks normally come with higher pay.
- Education: Some departments provide additional pay for education or certifications.
- Special assignments: Certain assignments can include additional compensation.
- Union contract: Collective bargaining agreements can determine salary increases and benefits.
Police Sergeant Benefits
Salary is only one part of police sergeant compensation. Many police departments provide benefits that can be valuable over a long career. The exact benefits depend on the agency and employment agreement.
Retirement and pension benefits are especially important for many law enforcement employees. Health insurance, paid vacation and sick leave can also add considerable value to the job.
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Retirement or pension plans
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Overtime opportunities
- Education or training benefits in some departments
Police Sergeant Salary vs Police Officer Salary
A police sergeant generally earns more than a regular police officer because the sergeant has additional supervisory responsibilities. A patrol officer may focus mainly on calls, patrol, reports, traffic enforcement and other frontline duties, while a sergeant may supervise several officers and make decisions during incidents.
The actual salary difference depends on the police department. Some agencies may have a relatively small increase when an officer is promoted, while others may have a larger gap between officer and sergeant pay.
Overtime can make the comparison more complicated. A police officer working substantial overtime may sometimes earn more in a particular year than a sergeant who works fewer additional hours.
What Does a Police Sergeant Do?
A police sergeant is usually responsible for supervising officers and helping manage daily law enforcement operations. The job combines police work with leadership and administrative responsibilities.
The exact duties depend on the agency and assignment, but a sergeant may spend part of the day in the field and part of the time handling reports, staff issues and administrative work.
- Supervise police officers
- Manage patrol shifts
- Review incident and arrest reports
- Respond to serious incidents
- Help train newer officers
- Monitor officer performance
- Coordinate emergency responses
- Communicate with higher-ranking supervisors
- Help enforce department policies
- Handle administrative and leadership duties
How to Become a Police Sergeant
Becoming a police sergeant normally requires first becoming a police officer. Most departments expect an officer to gain practical law enforcement experience before applying for a supervisory promotion.
The exact promotion process is different by department. Some agencies use competitive examinations, interviews, performance reviews, written tests, assessment centers or a combination of these methods.
- Meet the department's police officer requirements
- Complete police academy training
- Work as a police officer and gain experience
- Maintain good job performance and disciplinary record
- Meet the department's sergeant promotion requirements
- Complete a promotional exam or assessment when required
- Complete additional supervisory training
- Accept the sergeant appointment after promotion
Is Police Sergeant a Good-Paying Career?
For people who want a long-term career in law enforcement, becoming a police sergeant can be a good way to increase income and move into leadership. The position normally provides higher pay than many regular police officer positions and may come with strong government employee benefits.
At the same time, it is not an easy job. A sergeant can be responsible for the safety, performance and decisions of other officers. The position may involve stressful incidents, long shifts, administrative work and difficult personnel decisions.
For someone already working as a police officer, promotion to sergeant can provide a clear career path toward higher supervisory ranks such as lieutenant, captain or other command positions.
Police Sergeant Career Outlook
The demand for police supervisors is connected to the overall need for police and detective services. BLS projects employment for first-line supervisors of police and detectives to grow over the coming decade, while replacement needs can create additional openings as experienced employees retire or leave the occupation.
Career opportunities can vary significantly by location. Larger departments may have more ranks and promotional opportunities, while smaller agencies may have fewer supervisory positions available.
Final Thoughts on Police Sergeant Salary
The police sergeant salary in the USA depends on much more than a single national number. Current Police Sergeant salary benchmarks put average pay around $83,564 per year, while the broader BLS category for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives reports a May 2025 median wage of $106,040. The difference comes from the way the occupations are defined and measured.
State, department, experience, overtime, rank, local contracts and benefits can all change how much a police sergeant actually earns. For someone planning a law enforcement career, it is useful to look at both base salary and total compensation before comparing departments.
In general, promotion to sergeant can be an important career step for a police officer who wants more responsibility, higher earning potential and a move into law enforcement leadership.