GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Police Officer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$131,119/yr
Typical range: $125,034 – $141,201
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Police Officer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Police Officer Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $85,227 | $7,102 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $96,154 | $8,013 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,895 | $8,741 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $113,637 | $9,470 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $131,119 | $10,927 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $146,854 | $12,238 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $150,787 | $12,566 | +77% |
Current Salary
$131,119
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$146,854
Principal · 14
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Police Officer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Police Officers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $131K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Police Officer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $131K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Police Officer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Police Officer in Washington DC, DC earns $125K–$141K/yr.