State guide · police pay scales
Tennessee police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Tennessee, median starting base pay is $68,940 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $95,085 across 2, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $68,940 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $95,085 (median of 2 departments).
Tennessee departments compared
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| Metropolitan Nashville Police Department | City police | $70,904 | $109,168 | Not in our data | FY 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis Police Department | City police | $66,975 | $81,001 | 5 | FY 2027 |
Tennessee: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Nashville Police Department | $70,904 | $109,168 |
| Memphis Police Department | $66,975 | $81,001 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, median starting base pay is $68,940 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $95,085 across 2, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Tennessee police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has the highest top-step base pay at $109,168.
What does the federal wage survey say about Tennessee police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Tennessee at $59,280. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Metro Nashville FY27 Pay Plan Book (Police Pay Table effective 7/1/2026) · Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
- JoinMPD Benefits & Salary: Police Officer Salaries effective July 1, 2026 · Memphis Police Department
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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