What are police officers' and state patrol officers' average salaries?

The median annual salary for a police officer in 2012 was approximately $56,980, and the median hourly rate of pay was $27.40 for that year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual wage for an officer can vary based on numerous factors.

Metropolitan areas tend to have higher annual officer wages than non-metropolitan areas. Additionally, wages may vary based on the years of service and the educational background of an officer. Mean wages tend to be lower in many of the states in central parts of the country, especially those in the South. Minimum requirements for entry-level employment in the profession include the need for a high school diploma or its equivalent.