State guide · police pay scales
Illinois police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Illinois, median starting base pay is $77,232 across 2 departments and top-step pay is $127,146, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $77,232 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $127,146 (one department, 1 department).
Illinois departments compared
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| Chicago Police Department | City police | $63,636 | $127,146 | 25 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois State Police Limited data | State police | $90,828 | Not in our data | Not in our data | FY 2027 |
Illinois: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Police Department | $63,636 | $127,146 |
| Illinois State Police | $90,828 | Not in our data |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Illinois?
In Illinois, median starting base pay is $77,232 across 2 departments and top-step pay is $127,146, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about Illinois police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Illinois at $100,520. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- 2026 Position & Salary Schedule, Chicago Police Department, Sworn & Civilian Personnel [January - December 2026] (CPD-61.400) · Chicago Police Department
- Illinois State Police Recruitment · Illinois State Police
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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