As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Police Sergeant in the United States is $83,544 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Police Sergeant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Police Sergeant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Police Sergeant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Investigator | 0-0 years | $75,961 |
| Police Sergeant | 0-5 years | $83,544 |
| Police Lieutenant | 5+ years | $107,232 |
| Sheriff/Police Chief | 5-10 years | $130,551 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Police Sergeants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Standard Operating Procedures | 8.58% |
| SOP | 4.29% |
| Quality Control | 1.06% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Planning
|
$89,392 |
7%
|
|
Coaching
|
$88,557 |
6%
|
|
Analysis
|
$87,721 |
5%
|
|
Economics
|
$87,721 |
5%
|
|
Leadership
|
$87,721 |
5%
|
|
Presentation
|
$87,721 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Police Sergeants enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Police Sergeant with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,587 and $86,725).
Police Sergeant Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.9% |
| High School | 17.4% |
| Associates | 18.6% |
| Bachelors | 42.4% |
| Masters | 16.9% |
| Doctorate | 1.7% |
Understanding how a Police Sergeant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a Police Sergeant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Police Lieutenant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $107,232 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Police Sergeant and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Police Sergeant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Police Sergeant's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Police Sergeant earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Police Sergeant is $105,374.
The highest pay for Police Sergeant is $107,090.
The lowest pay for Police Sergeant is $62,330.
Responsible for supervising patrol officers and agents as assigned and maintaining the chain of command within the operations of the department. Responsible for developing training programs for department personnel, directing special units, preparing special reports or projects as assigned, receiving and reviewing reports from officers, and assigning personnel in accordance to specific needs. Requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and/or additional certifications and at least 5-7 years of law enforcement experience. Typically reports to a chief of police, captain, or lieutenant. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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