How Much Do Chicago Police Officers Make?
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is one of the largest and most respected law enforcement agencies in the country, with over 12,000 sworn officers. As a result, CPD officers are among the most highly compensated police officers in the United States. But just how much do they make?
Basic Compensation
According to the Chicago Police Department’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the starting salary for a new police officer is $54,450 per year. This figure increases based on experience and time on the force. The CPD also offers overtime pay, which can significantly increase an officer’s annual salary.
**Salary Scales**
Here is a breakdown of the CPD’s salary scales:
| Rank | Year 1-3 Salary | Year 4-7 Salary | Year 8-14 Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $54,450 | $60,150 | $71,500 |
| Senior Police Officer | $69,750 | $78,150 | $88,750 |
| Lieutenant | $93,350 | $104,600 | $115,650 |
| Captain | $122,100 | $134,350 | $146,500 |
| Commander | $152,450 | $166,750 | $181,100 |
Additional Income Sources
In addition to their base salary, CPD officers can earn income from a variety of sources, including:
- Overtime pay: Up to 10% of their base salary
- Special duty pay: Additional pay for working high-risk assignments, such as SWAT or K-9 units
- Training pay: Additional pay for completing specialized training programs
- Language pay: Additional pay for speaking a second language
- Bilingual pay: Additional pay for speaking a specific language (e.g., Spanish)
Benefits and Perks
CPD officers also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance: Full family coverage with low out-of-pocket costs
- Retirement: Eligible for retirement at age 50 with full benefits
- Leave time: 20-30 days of vacation leave per year, plus sick leave and personal days
- Uniform allowance: Annual stipend for the purchase of uniforms and equipment
- Mandatory equipment: Provided with mandatory equipment, including a laptop, smartphone, and vest
Comparison to National Averages
While Chicago police officers are among the highest-paid in the country, they are not the highest-paid. According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for police and sheriff’s patrol officers was $61,380 in May 2020. Here is a comparison of CPD officers’ salaries to national averages:
| Rank | CPD Salary | National Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $60,150 | $59,320 |
| Sergeant | $78,150 | $73,400 |
| Lieutenant | $104,600 | $86,360 |
| Captain | $134,350 | $97,450 |
| Commander | $166,750 | $109,350 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago police officers are highly compensated, with a starting salary of $54,450 per year and a maximum salary of over $181,100 per year. In addition to their base salary, officers can earn income from overtime, special duty pay, and other sources. With a comprehensive benefits package and high level of job security, the CPD offers one of the most attractive pay and benefits packages in law enforcement.
