Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers in the United States was $36.64, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $22.84 |
| 25th | $28.50 |
| Median | $36.64 |
| 75th | $46.93 |
| 90th | $55.35 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do police and sheriff's patrol officers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $36.64; the mean hourly wage is $38.08.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for police and sheriff's patrol officers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $22.84 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for police and sheriff's patrol officers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $55.35 per hour.