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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Denver, Colorado

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Denver metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$103,170
Mean annual$96,990
Range (10th to 90th)$77,340 to $114,290
Denver, Colorado employment4,750
State vs national+30.0% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Denver police and sheriff's patrol officers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$77,34025TH$84,430MEDIAN$103,17075TH$107,12090TH$114,290

The middle 50% of workers earn between $84,430 and $107,120, with a median of $103,170.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Moderate-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Law and Government

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    4.5 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.5 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Inductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    4.3 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.

  2. 02

    Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.

  3. 03

    Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.

  4. 04

    Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.

  5. 05

    Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.

  6. 06

    Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.

  7. 07

    Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.

  8. 08

    Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Denver, Colorado?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Denver metropolitan area is $103,170.
Does Denver pay more than the Colorado state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Denver metro median is +7.4% versus the Colorado state median of $96,100.
How does Denver compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Denver metro median is +30.0% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Denver?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,340 and the 90th-percentile at $114,290 for the Denver metro area.
What education is required for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Denver CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.