Find a Job You Really Want In
As one of the most prevalent professions in the United States, police officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety across all states—not just in major urban centers like California or the South.
With police officers being such a vital part of our communities, we at Zippia analyzed the current labor market to identify which states offer the best opportunities for police officers, focusing on job availability and fair compensation throughout various stages of their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we examined which states provide the most favorable conditions for police officers.
Here are the top 10 states for police officers in 2026:
These states rank highest for police and sheriff’s patrol officers, reflecting the best career opportunities in law enforcement.
Curious about how we ranked these states? Continue reading to learn more about our methodology and the key factors that contribute to these rankings.
For additional insights, explore the job scene in various locales:
- Top Companies to Work For in Chicago, IL
- 20 Best Small Companies in Chicago
- 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Chicago
How We Identified the Best States for Police Officers
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers. Our research indicates that job candidates prioritize two main factors:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To determine the best states for police officers, we analyzed job availability and compensation levels. Our criteria were derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics for 2023:
- Location quotient: A measure of the commonality of the occupation in a given state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure a fair comparison, we adjusted salary data relative to each state’s cost of living. For instance, while California’s average salary for police officers stands at $101,380, the Illinois figure of $75,720 has more purchasing power due to a lower cost of living.
Each state was ranked from 1 to 50 across all criteria, with the lowest cumulative score denoting the best state for police officers in America.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of what makes each of these states advantageous for law enforcement professionals.
1. Illinois
Total Jobs: 30,370
Average Annual Salary: $75,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,150
Average Experienced Salary: $102,210
Location Quotient: 1.11
2. California
Total Jobs: 72,680
Average Annual Salary: $101,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $63,250
Average Experienced Salary: $138,970
Location Quotient: 0.94
3. Texas
Total Jobs: 60,260
Average Annual Salary: $61,870
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,850
Average Experienced Salary: $85,470
Location Quotient: 1.09
4. Delaware
Total Jobs: 1,790
Average Annual Salary: $70,000
Average Entry Level Salary: $46,990
Average Experienced Salary: $98,370
Location Quotient: 0.87
5. New Jersey
Total Jobs: 19,950
Average Annual Salary: $83,720
Average Entry Level Salary: $45,370
Average Experienced Salary: $123,890
Location Quotient: 1.08
6. Colorado
Total Jobs: 9,840
Average Annual Salary: $72,950
Average Entry Level Salary: $49,300
Average Experienced Salary: $98,060
Location Quotient: 0.82
7. Washington
Total Jobs: 9,670
Average Annual Salary: $77,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,960
Average Experienced Salary: $101,110
Location Quotient: 0.65
8. Nevada
Total Jobs: 5,120
Average Annual Salary: $70,450
Average Entry Level Salary: $51,880
Average Experienced Salary: $95,510
Location Quotient: 0.83
9. Pennsylvania
Total Jobs: 27,850
Average Annual Salary: $66,600
Average Entry Level Salary: $35,650
Average Experienced Salary: $98,760
Location Quotient: 1.04
10. Arizona
Total Jobs: 11,320
Average Annual Salary: $64,640
Average Entry Level Salary: $44,660
Average Experienced Salary: $81,400
Location Quotient: 0.89
Conclusion: The Best States for Police Officers
If you are considering a career as a police officer, these states should be at the forefront of your search. They offer competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and promising prospects for career advancement.
For those interested in the less favorable locations for police officers, here are the three lowest-ranking states:
For further reading, consider:
Comprehensive List of the Best States for Police Officers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | $75,720 |
| 2 | California | $101,380 |
| 3 | Texas | $61,870 |
| 4 | Delaware | $70,000 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $83,720 |
| 6 | Colorado | $72,950 |
| 7 | Washington | $77,670 |
| 8 | Nevada | $70,450 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | $66,600 |
| 10 | Arizona | $64,640 |
| 11 | Minnesota | $69,060 |
| 12 | Ohio | $61,040 |
| 13 | Alaska | $88,030 |
| 14 | Florida | $59,610 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | $62,040 |
| 16 | Wyoming | $55,050 |
| 17 | Indiana | $55,310 |
| 18 | Iowa | $58,340 |
| 19 | Virginia | $56,710 |
| 20 | New York | $74,860 |
| 21 | Michigan | $56,270 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $57,530 |
| 23 | Idaho | $53,880 |
| 24 | New Mexico | $51,250 |
| 25 | Oregon | $70,360 |
| 26 | North Dakota | $57,190 |
| 27 | Maryland | $68,230 |
| 28 | Connecticut | $71,920 |
| 29 | North Carolina | $48,420 |
| 30 | Missouri | $48,920 |
| 31 | Kansas | $48,350 |
| 32 | Alabama | $45,930 |
| 33 | Utah | $53,890 |
| 34 | Massachusetts | $69,870 |
| 35 | Oklahoma | $46,120 |
| 36 | Montana | $56,230 |
| 37 | New Hampshire | $58,120 |
| 38 | Georgia | $42,990 |
| 39 | West Virginia | $43,590 |
| 40 | Tennessee | $44,600 |
| 41 | Kentucky | $45,600 |
| 42 | Arkansas | $39,560 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $60,890 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $41,550 |
| 45 | South Carolina | $42,280 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $35,550 |
| 47 | South Dakota | $48,550 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $74,040 |
| 49 | Vermont | $52,940 |
| 50 | Maine | $49,840 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
