State guide · police pay scales
Minnesota police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Minnesota, median starting base pay is $86,588 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $112,166 across 3, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $86,588 (median of 3 departments). Top step: $112,166 (median of 3 departments).
Minnesota departments compared
Select a column heading to sort. Base pay only; overtime and incentives are extra. Scroll the table sideways on small screens.
| Saint Paul Police Department | City police | $91,291 | $119,330 | Not in our data | Not in our data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Police Department | City police | $86,588 | $112,166 | Not in our data | Not in our data |
| Minnesota State Patrol | State police | $79,469 | $108,701 | 7 | FY 2025 |
Minnesota: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul Police Department | $91,291 | $119,330 |
| Minneapolis Police Department | $86,588 | $112,166 |
| Minnesota State Patrol | $79,469 | $108,701 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, median starting base pay is $86,588 across 3 departments and median top-step pay is $112,166 across 3, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Minnesota police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Saint Paul Police Department has the highest top-step base pay at $119,330.
What does the federal wage survey say about Minnesota police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Minnesota at $83,360. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Police Officer - City of Saint Paul (governmentjobs.com) · Saint Paul Police Department
- City of Minneapolis - Police Officer Recruit (Amended), Job 2026-00003 · Minneapolis Police Department
- MLEA Labor Agreement 2023-2025, Appendix E-3 Compensation Grid 1C · Minnesota State Patrol
- Minnesota State Patrol: official source page · Minnesota State Patrol
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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