State guide · police pay scales
Colorado police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Colorado, median starting base pay is $81,046 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $106,212 across 3, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $81,046 (median of 3 departments). Top step: $106,212 (median of 3 departments).
Colorado departments compared
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| Denver Police Department | City police | $81,046 | $115,780 | 3.5 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State Patrol | State police | $96,552 | $106,212 | Not in our data | FY 2026-27 |
| Colorado Springs Police Department | City police | $73,548 | $102,396 | 3 | 2026 |
Colorado: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Police Department | $81,046 | $115,780 |
| Colorado State Patrol | $96,552 | $106,212 |
| Colorado Springs Police Department | $73,548 | $102,396 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Colorado?
In Colorado, median starting base pay is $81,046 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $106,212 across 3, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Colorado police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Denver Police Department has the highest top-step base pay at $115,780.
What does the federal wage survey say about Colorado police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Colorado at $97,350. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- 2026 Denver Police Salary (Denver Police Recruitment: Salary and Benefits) · Denver Police Department
- State of Colorado FY 2026-27 Pay Plan (effective Nov. 1, 2026), State Trooper Pay Plan · Colorado State Patrol
- City of Colorado Springs 2026 Salary Schedule · Colorado Springs Police Department
- Colorado Springs Police Department: official source page · Colorado Springs Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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