State guide · police pay scales
Louisiana police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Louisiana, median starting base pay is $56,051 across 2 departments and top-step pay is $107,302, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $56,051 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $107,302 (one department, 1 department).
Louisiana departments compared
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| Louisiana State Police | State police | $57,680 | $107,302 | 20 | FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Police Department Limited data | City police | $54,421 | Not in our data | Not in our data | Not in our data |
Louisiana: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State Police | $57,680 | $107,302 |
| New Orleans Police Department | $54,421 | Not in our data |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, median starting base pay is $56,051 across 2 departments and top-step pay is $107,302, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about Louisiana police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Louisiana at $48,380. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Louisiana State Police Pay Rank / Schedule (effective January 8, 2024) · Louisiana State Police
- Louisiana State Police: official source page · Louisiana State Police
- City of New Orleans job posting: Police Recruit (Class Code 7109) · New Orleans Police Department
- New Orleans Police Department: official source page · New Orleans Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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