How Much Does a Police Officer Make in Houston?
As a police officer in Houston, Texas, you can expect a competitive salary and benefits package. But how much does a police officer make in Houston? In this article, we’ll break down the answer to this question and provide you with the information you need to know.
Starting Salary
The starting salary for a police officer in Houston depends on factors such as education level, experience, and location. According to the Houston Police Department (HPD), the starting salary for a police officer is $54,357 per year. This is based on a bachelor’s degree and no prior law enforcement experience.
Step Increase
As a police officer in Houston, you can expect to receive regular step increases, which are annual raises based on your time in service. Here is a breakdown of the step increases for a police officer in Houston:
- 1-3 years: $54,357 – $63,429
- 4-6 years: $63,429 – $73,441
- 7-10 years: $73,441 – $84,453
- 11-15 years: $84,453 – $96,465
- 16+ years: $96,465 – $108,477
Specialty Pay
In addition to regular step increases, police officers in Houston can also receive specialty pay for certain skills or certifications. Some examples of specialty pay include:
- Dive team: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
- Swat team: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
- K-9 handler: $1,500 – $3,000 per year
- Honor guard: $1,000 – $2,000 per year
Benefits
As a police officer in Houston, you’ll also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance: 100% coverage for you and your family
- Retirement benefits: 75% of your final salary after 25 years of service
- Paid time off: 120 hours of annual leave and 120 hours of sick leave
- Uniform allowance: $1,000 per year
- Educational assistance: $2,000 per year for college courses or certifications
Comparison to Other Cities
How does the salary and benefits package for police officers in Houston compare to other cities in the United States? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police officers in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Metropolitan Division was $62,410 in May 2020. This is higher than the national median annual salary of $61,380.
Here is a comparison of the starting salary and step increases for police officers in Houston to other major cities in the United States:
| City | Starting Salary | Step Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $54,357 | $63,429 (1-3 years) |
| New York City, NY | $43,000 | $60,000 (1-3 years) |
| Los Angeles, CA | $53,000 | $65,000 (1-3 years) |
| Chicago, IL | $45,000 | $60,000 (1-3 years) |
| Dallas, TX | $47,000 | $62,000 (1-3 years) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, police officers in Houston, Texas can expect a competitive salary and benefits package, with a starting salary of $54,357 per year and regular step increases. With the opportunity for specialty pay and a comprehensive benefits package, a career as a police officer in Houston can be a rewarding and lucrative choice.
