Police Officer Salary in Kentucky
Police Officer pay in Kentucky, explained
Police officers in Kentucky earn a median of $60,490 per year ($29.08 per hour), which is 21% below the national median of $76,210. Entry-level workers earn around $38,780, while the most experienced police officers reach about $77,970. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Kentucky.
Is $60,490 good pay in Kentucky?
Adjusted for Kentucky's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $60,490 is worth about $67,093 in national buying power — ranking Kentucky #39 for real pay (vs #39 on the sticker number).
Police Officer pay by experience in Kentucky
Police Officer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs KY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (here) | $60,490 | $67,093 | — |
| Illinois | $100,520 | $100,562 | −$40,030 |
| Ohio | $77,020 | $83,019 | −$16,530 |
| Indiana | $73,370 | $78,614 | −$12,880 |
| Virginia | $65,870 | $65,151 | −$5,380 |
| Missouri | $59,460 | $65,472 | +$1,030 |
| Tennessee | $59,280 | $64,526 | +$1,210 |
| West Virginia | $56,960 | $63,645 | +$3,530 |
Police Officer in Kentucky: FAQ
How much do police officers make in Kentucky?
Police officers in Kentucky earn a median of $60,490 per year ($29.08 per hour), compared with $76,210 nationally.
Does Kentucky pay police officers well?
At $60,490, Kentucky pays 21% below the national median for police officers. An estimated 7,890 work in the state.