Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Denver, CO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Median annual salary $103,170 +35.2% vs national
Median hourly $49.60
10th percentile $77,340
90th percentile $114,290
Employed locally 4,750
National median $76,290

Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Denver, CO stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
in
Denver, CO
vs

    In Denver, CO, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers have a median annual salary of $103,170, which is significantly higher than the national median of $76,290. This salary places them well within the range of the local median household income of $102,339, indicating that these officers typically earn an amount comparable to what many households in Denver make annually. The median hourly wage for this occupation stands at $49.60, highlighting a substantial earning potential relative to other positions in the area. This positioning suggests that individuals working as patrol officers can generally maintain a standard of living on par with or slightly above the average household in the region.

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Denver begin their careers with earnings closer to the 10th percentile, which is $77,340 annually. As they gain experience, their salaries increase, reflecting both their growing expertise and responsibilities. For instance, officers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $84,430 per year, while those at the 75th percentile make around $107,120 annually, with top earners in the 90th percentile reaching up to $114,290. This progression is driven by factors such as years of service, additional training or certifications, and specific assignments that demand higher skill levels. The considerable salary growth from entry-level positions to more experienced roles underscores the value placed on experience and expertise within this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $77,340
    25th
    $84,430
    50th (median)
    $103,170
    75th
    $107,120
    90th
    $114,290

    Denver economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,339 2023 • Census ACS
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary vs area income 101% Median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary is 1% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make per hour in Denver?

    The median hourly wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Denver, CO is $49.60, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.63 or more per hour.

    Is Denver above or below average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries?

    The median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Denver, CO is 35.2% above the national median of $76,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Denver?

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (10th percentile) earn around $77,340 per year in Denver, CO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $84,430.