Public Service Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Police Officer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median police officer salary in Tucson, AZ is $61,185 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$61,185
vs State Avg
$-2,631
vs National
$-4,605
Cost of Living
93%

Police Officer Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median police officer salary of $61,185, which is $2,631 below the Arizona state average of $63,816. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for police officers in Tucson spans from $37,572 at the 10th percentile to $98,580 at the 90th percentile — a $61,008 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,060, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,140. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level police officer earns around $39,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,140 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,060
$-2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$61,380
$-4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,140
$-6,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $37,572
25th Percentile $47,616
Median (50th) $61,185
75th Percentile $81,096
90th Percentile $98,580

Police Officer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$73,685
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$67,106
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$65,790
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$63,816
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Police Officer in Tucson

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open police officer positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Police Officer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median police officer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $61,185 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $37,572 (10th percentile) to $98,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,185, a police officer in Tucson earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for police officer pay? ▼
Tucson's median police officer salary of $61,185 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $63,816. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $61,185 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Tucson? ▼
Most police officer positions in Tucson require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.