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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Milwaukee 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$91,670
Mean annual$85,350
Range (10th to 90th)$59,990 to $96,680
Milwaukee, Wisconsin employment3,580
State vs national+15.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Milwaukee 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$59,99025TH$77,030MEDIAN$91,67075TH$93,16090TH$96,680

The middle 50% of workers earn between $77,030 and $93,160, with a median of $91,670.

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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Milwaukee metropolitan area is $91,670.
Does Milwaukee pay more than the Wisconsin state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Milwaukee metro median is +16.1% versus the Wisconsin state median of $78,980.
How does Milwaukee compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Milwaukee metro median is +15.5% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Milwaukee?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,990 and the 90th-percentile at $96,680 for the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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.