Public Service Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Police Officer Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median police officer salary in Waterbury, CT is $64,474 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 12.5% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$64,474
vs State Avg
$-9,211
vs National
$-1,316
Cost of Living
98%

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

Waterbury offers a median police officer salary of $64,474, which is $9,211 below the Connecticut state average of $73,685. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Waterbury pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% 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 Waterbury spans from $39,592 at the 10th percentile to $103,880 at the 90th percentile — a $64,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,160, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,040. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level police officer earns around $41,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,160
$-840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,680
$-1,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,040
$-1,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $39,592
25th Percentile $50,176
Median (50th) $64,474
75th Percentile $85,456
90th Percentile $103,880

Police Officer Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$90,790
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$72,369
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$71,053
Pop. 148,529
Hartford, CT
$69,080
Pop. 121,054

How to Become a Police Officer in Waterbury

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open police officer positions in Waterbury, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Police Officer make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median police officer salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $64,474 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $39,592 (10th percentile) to $103,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,474, a police officer in Waterbury earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for police officer pay? ▼
Waterbury's median police officer salary of $64,474 is 12.5% below the Connecticut state average of $73,685. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $64,474 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Waterbury? ▼
Most police officer positions in Waterbury 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.