State guide · police pay scales
Ohio police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Ohio, median starting base pay is $73,774 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $102,228 across 2, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $73,774 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $102,228 (median of 2 departments).
Ohio departments compared
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| Columbus Division of Police Limited data | City police | $74,227 | $113,706 | 4 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State Highway Patrol Limited data | State police | $73,320 | $90,750 | Not in our data | Not in our data |
Ohio: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus Division of Police | $74,227 | $113,706 |
| Ohio State Highway Patrol | $73,320 | $90,750 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Ohio?
In Ohio, median starting base pay is $73,774 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $102,228 across 2, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Ohio police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Columbus Division of Police has the highest top-step base pay at $113,706.
What does the federal wage survey say about Ohio police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Ohio at $77,020. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Salary (Columbus Police Officer Recruitment) · Columbus Division of Police
- OSHP Trooper Pay & Benefits · Ohio State Highway Patrol
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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