State guide · police pay scales
Washington police payStarting and top-step pay by department
In Washington, median starting base pay is $104,562 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $140,070 across 2, from official pay schedules.
Starting pay: $104,562 (median of 2 departments). Top step: $140,070 (median of 2 departments).
Washington departments compared
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| Seattle Police Department | City police | $117,792 | $154,248 | 4.5 | Not in our data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington State Patrol Limited data | State police | $91,332 | $125,892 | 5 | Not in our data |
Washington: starting vs top-step pay
View chart data
| Department | Start | Top step |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Police Department | $117,792 | $154,248 |
| Washington State Patrol | $91,332 | $125,892 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do police officers make in Washington?
In Washington, median starting base pay is $104,562 across 2 departments and median top-step pay is $140,070 across 2, from official pay schedules. Overtime, longevity and incentive pay are extra.
Which Washington police agency pays the most?
Of the departments in this guide, Seattle Police Department has the highest top-step base pay at $154,248.
What does the federal wage survey say about Washington police pay?
The BLS May 2025 survey puts the median annual wage for all police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Washington at $102,080. That estimate covers every agency and experience level, so it differs from department pay schedules.
Sources and last checked
- Entry-Level Officer Salary (Seattle Police Department recruiting) · Seattle Police Department
- WSP Be A Trooper - Salaries · Washington State Patrol
- BLS OEWS: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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