State guide · police pay scales
Kentucky police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Kentucky, median starting base pay is $64,998 across 3 departments and top-step pay is $100,318, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $64,998 (median of 3 departments). Top step: $100,318 (one department, 1 department).
Kentucky departments compared
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| Louisville Metro Police Department | City police | $66,768 | $100,318 | 24 | FY 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky State Police Limited data | State police | $64,998 | Not in our data | Not in our data | Not in our data |
| Lexington Police Department Limited data | City police | $64,424 | Not in our data | Not in our data | Not in our data |
Kentucky: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville Metro Police Department | $66,768 | $100,318 |
| Kentucky State Police | $64,998 | Not in our data |
| Lexington Police Department | $64,424 | Not in our data |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, median starting base pay is $64,998 across 3 departments and top-step pay is $100,318, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about Kentucky police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Kentucky at $60,490. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- LMPD Sworn Wage Progression (Scale for 7/1/26 to 6/30/27) · Louisville Metro Police Department
- Louisville Metro Police Department: official source page · Louisville Metro Police Department
- Kentucky State Police Recruitment: Trooper Benefits / Salary · Kentucky State Police
- LFUCG: Compensation and benefits - Lexington Police Department · Lexington Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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