State guide · police pay scales
Pennsylvania police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Pennsylvania, median starting base pay is $69,973 across 3 departments and top-step pay is $104,191, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $69,973 (median of 3 departments). Top step: $104,191 (one department, 1 department).
Pennsylvania departments compared
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| Philadelphia Police Department | City police | $69,973 | $104,191 | 5 | Not in our data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State Police Limited data | State police | $70,249 | Not in our data | Not in our data | Not in our data |
| Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Limited data | City police | $68,952 | Not in our data | Not in our data | Not in our data |
Pennsylvania: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Police Department | $69,973 | $104,191 |
| Pennsylvania State Police | $70,249 | Not in our data |
| Pittsburgh Bureau of Police | $68,952 | Not in our data |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, median starting base pay is $69,973 across 3 departments and top-step pay is $104,191, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
What does the federal wage survey say about Pennsylvania police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Pennsylvania at $85,470. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Salary & Benefits (Philadelphia Police Department recruiting) · Philadelphia Police Department
- PSP State Trooper Position Information · Pennsylvania State Police
- Police Officer - City of Pittsburgh (governmentjobs.com) · Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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