Police Officer Salary in Tennessee
Police Officer pay in Tennessee, explained
Police officers in Tennessee earn a median of $59,280 per year ($28.50 per hour), which is 22% below the national median of $76,210. Entry-level workers earn around $43,520, while the most experienced police officers reach about $79,480. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $59,280 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $59,280 is worth about $64,526 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #43 for real pay (vs #43 on the sticker number).
Police Officer pay by experience in Tennessee
Police Officer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $59,280 | $64,526 | — |
| Virginia | $65,870 | $65,151 | −$6,590 |
| Kentucky | $60,490 | $67,093 | −$1,210 |
| Missouri | $59,460 | $65,472 | −$180 |
| North Carolina | $59,300 | $62,867 | −$20 |
| Georgia | $58,120 | $60,357 | +$1,160 |
| Alabama | $51,270 | $57,722 | +$8,010 |
| Arkansas | $47,670 | $54,833 | +$11,610 |
| Mississippi | $46,140 | $53,063 | +$13,140 |
Police Officer in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do police officers make in Tennessee?
Police officers in Tennessee earn a median of $59,280 per year ($28.50 per hour), compared with $76,210 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay police officers well?
At $59,280, Tennessee pays 22% below the national median for police officers. An estimated 15,630 work in the state.