State guide · police pay scales
Maryland police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Maryland, median starting base pay is $68,860 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $127,830 across 2, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $68,860 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $127,830 (median of 2 departments).
Maryland departments compared
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| Maryland State Police | State police | $69,360 | $131,344 | 20 | FY 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Police Department | City police | $68,359 | $124,316 | Not in our data | FY 2027 |
Maryland: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Police | $69,360 | $131,344 |
| Baltimore Police Department | $68,359 | $124,316 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Maryland?
In Maryland, median starting base pay is $68,860 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $127,830 across 2, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Maryland police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Maryland State Police has the highest top-step base pay at $131,344.
What does the federal wage survey say about Maryland police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Maryland at $77,970. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Maryland DBM State and Natural Resources Police Salary Schedule, Annual Rates effective July 1, 2026 · Maryland State Police
- Maryland State Police: official source page · Maryland State Police
- Join Baltimore PD: Sworn Careers · Baltimore Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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