Public Service Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Police Officer Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median police officer salary in Dover, DE is $63,158 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$63,158
vs State Avg
$-3,290
vs National
$-2,632
Cost of Living
96%

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

Dover offers a median police officer salary of $63,158, which is $3,290 below the Delaware state average of $66,448. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 Dover spans from $38,784 at the 10th percentile to $101,760 at the 90th percentile — a $62,976 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,320, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,080. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level police officer earns around $40,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,320
$-1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
$-2,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,080
$-3,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $38,784
25th Percentile $49,152
Median (50th) $63,158
75th Percentile $83,712
90th Percentile $101,760

Police Officer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$69,080
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$67,106
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$65,132
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$64,474
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Police Officer in Dover

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Dover

Browse open police officer positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Dover

How much does a Police Officer make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median police officer salary in Dover, Delaware is $63,158 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $38,784 (10th percentile) to $101,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,158, a police officer in Dover earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for police officer pay? ▼
Dover's median police officer salary of $63,158 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $66,448. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $63,158 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Dover? ▼
Most police officer positions in Dover 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.