Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Median annual salary $72,760 -4.6% vs national
Median hourly $34.98
10th percentile $45,920
90th percentile $81,450
Employed locally 3,520
National median $76,290

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

Type a city below to see how Memphis, TN-MS-AR stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
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    In Memphis, TN-MS-AR, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers have a median annual salary of $72,760, which is below the national median of $76,290. This salary translates to a median hourly wage of $34.98. When compared to the local area's median household income of $64,743, it becomes evident that police officers in this region typically earn more than the average household. The disparity between law enforcement earnings and general household incomes highlights their significant role within the community, often reflecting both the level of responsibility and risk associated with these positions.

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Memphis-MS-AR start at an annual salary around $45,920 (10th percentile), while those further along in their careers can earn upwards of $81,450 (90th percentile). The difference between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as accumulated experience, specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, overtime work, and successful completion of advanced training programs. As officers gain more years on the job or take on supervisory roles, opportunities for increased earnings become more prevalent, reflecting both their growing expertise and value to law enforcement agencies in the region.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $45,920
    25th
    $57,840
    50th (median)
    $72,760
    75th
    $76,310
    90th
    $81,450

    Memphis economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $64,743 2023 • Census ACS
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary vs area income 112% Median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary is 12% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $34.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.21 or more per hour.

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

    The median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 4.6% below 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 Memphis?

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (10th percentile) earn around $45,920 per year in Memphis, TN-MS-AR. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $57,840.