State guide · police pay scales
Michigan police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Michigan, median starting base pay is $58,604 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $87,631 across 2, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $58,604 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $87,631 (median of 2 departments).
Michigan departments compared
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| Michigan State Police | State police | $71,448 | $106,621 | 10 | FY 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Police Department Limited data | City police | $45,760 | $68,640 | 5 | Not in our data |
Michigan: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan State Police | $71,448 | $106,621 |
| Detroit Police Department | $45,760 | $68,640 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Michigan?
In Michigan, median starting base pay is $58,604 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $87,631 across 2, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Michigan police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Michigan State Police has the highest top-step base pay at $106,621.
What does the federal wage survey say about Michigan police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Michigan at $73,730. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Michigan Civil Service Compensation Plan 10/1/2026, Section C (Bargaining Unit T01 Pay Schedules) · Michigan State Police
- Michigan State Police: official source page · Michigan State Police
- Detroit Police Department Careers: Pay by Rank · Detroit Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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