Salary distribution
Where Houston police and sheriff's patrol officers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,850 and $86,130, with a median of $75,450.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
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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Explore coursesOther metros in Texas
How the Houston metro compares to other major Texas metro areas for police and sheriff's patrol officers.
- Dallas$91,470
- Austin$83,820
- San Antonio$71,490
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Houston, Texas?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Houston metropolitan area is $75,450.
- Does Houston pay more than the Texas state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- The Houston metro median is -1.2% versus the Texas state median of $76,350.
- How does Houston compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- The Houston metro median is -4.9% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
- What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Houston?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $58,580 and the 90th-percentile at $94,910 for the Houston 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Houston 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.