How much does a police officer make in Washington state?

How Much Does a Police Officer Make in Washington State?

As a police officer in Washington state, your salary will depend on several factors, including your level of experience, education, and the specific department or agency you work for. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the average salary ranges for police officers in Washington state, as well as the factors that can impact your earnings.

Average Salaries for Police Officers in Washington State

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police officers in Washington state was $74,560 in May 2020. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific department or agency, as well as the officer’s level of experience and education.

Salaries by Level of Experience

Here is a breakdown of average salaries for police officers in Washington state by level of experience:

• Entry-level officers (0-5 years of experience): $55,000 – $65,000 per year
• Experienced officers (5-10 years of experience): $65,000 – $75,000 per year
• Senior officers (10-20 years of experience): $75,000 – $85,000 per year
• Command-level officers (20+ years of experience): $85,000 – $95,000 per year

Salaries by Education

Education also plays a significant role in determining a police officer’s salary in Washington state. Here is a breakdown of average salaries by level of education:

• Associates degree: $58,000 – $68,000 per year
• Bachelors degree: $65,000 – $75,000 per year
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• Masters degree: $70,000 – $80,000 per year
• Masters degree with specialized certifications: $80,000 – $90,000 per year

Salaries by Department or Agency

Salaries can also vary depending on the specific department or agency a police officer works for. Here is a breakdown of average salaries for police officers in different departments or agencies in Washington state:

• Seattle Police Department: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
• Spokane Police Department: $55,000 – $75,000 per year
• Tacoma Police Department: $58,000 – $78,000 per year
• Washougal Police Department: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
• Federal agencies (e.g. FBI, DEA): $70,000 – $100,000 per year

Benefits and Bonuses

In addition to their base salary, police officers in Washington state may also receive a range of benefits and bonuses. These can include:

• Overtime pay: 1.5 – 2 times base salary
• Holiday pay: 1.5 – 2 times base salary
• Sick leave: 15 – 20 days per year
• Vacation time: 15 – 20 days per year
• Health insurance: 100% paid by the department
• Retirement benefits: 50% – 75% of base salary

Conclusion

In conclusion, the salary of a police officer in Washington state can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including level of experience, education, and the specific department or agency they work for. While the median annual salary for police officers in Washington state is around $74,560, salaries can range from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year. By considering the factors outlined in this article, you can get a better sense of what to expect in terms of salary as a police officer in Washington state.

Additional Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2020
• Washington State Law Enforcement Coalition: Police Officer Salary and Benefits Survey
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: FBI Salary and Benefits

Table: Average Salaries for Police Officers in Washington State

Table: Salaries by Department or Agency

Table: Benefits and Bonuses