salary$84,000 a year$40 an hour · median pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$63,530per year
Top pay (top 10%)$119,240per year
Jobs in the area14,630people work this job
Can a police officer afford Washington?
Expensive. Rent of $2,370 a month takes 33.9% 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 Washington, DC?
The median pay for a police officer in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $84,000 a year ($40 an hour). Most earn between $63,530 and $119,240.
Can a police officer afford to live in Washington?
Typical rent of $2,370 a month takes 33.9% 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.