Public Service Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Police Officer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median police officer salary in Denver, CO is $73,685 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$73,685
vs State Avg
+$4,605
vs National
+$7,895
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median police officer salary of $73,685, which is $4,605 above the Colorado state average of $69,080. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $73,685 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in Denver spans from $45,248 at the 10th percentile to $118,720 at the 90th percentile — a $73,472 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,760. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level police officer earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
+$7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,760
+$11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $45,248
25th Percentile $57,344
Median (50th) $73,685
75th Percentile $97,664
90th Percentile $118,720

Police Officer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$84,211
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$69,737
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$69,080
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$65,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Police Officer in Denver

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Denver

Browse open police officer positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Denver

How much does a Police Officer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median police officer salary in Denver, Colorado is $73,685 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $45,248 (10th percentile) to $118,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,685, a police officer in Denver earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for police officer pay? ▼
Denver's median police officer salary of $73,685 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $69,080. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $73,685 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Denver? ▼
Most police officer positions in Denver 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.