salary$76,530 a year$37 an hour · median pay in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$60,770per year
Top pay (top 10%)$100,980per year
Jobs in the area4,600people work this job
Can a police officer afford Columbia?
Expensive. Rent of $2,291 a month takes 35.9% of the median police officer salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Police Officer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make in Columbia, MD?
The median pay for a police officer in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area is $76,530 a year ($37 an hour). Most earn between $60,770 and $100,980.
Can a police officer afford to live in Columbia?
Typical rent of $2,291 a month takes 35.9% of the median police officer salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area.