What is the median salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $83,430.

Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is -5.5% versus the District of Columbia state median of $88,330.

How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?

The Washington, D.C. metro median is +5.1% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.

What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Washington, D.C.?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $64,240 and the 90th-percentile at $116,040 for the Washington, D.C. 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.

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Median annual$83,430

Mean annual$86,860

Range (10th to 90th)$64,240 to $116,040

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment14,590

State vs national+5.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. police and sheriff's patrol officers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $73,110 and $99,710, with a median of $83,430.

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)

01
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
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.
03
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
04
Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
05
Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
06
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
07
Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
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 Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $83,430.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is -5.5% versus the District of Columbia state median of $88,330.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?: The Washington, D.C. metro median is +5.1% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Washington, D.C.?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $64,240 and the 90th-percentile at $116,040 for the Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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.