Public Service Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Police Officer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median police officer salary in Chicago, IL is $70,395 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$70,395
vs State Avg
+$7,894
vs National
+$4,605
Cost of Living
107%

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

Chicago offers a median police officer salary of $70,395, which is $7,894 above the Illinois state average of $62,501. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% 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 Chicago spans from $43,228 at the 10th percentile to $113,420 at the 90th percentile — a $70,192 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,940, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,860. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level police officer earns around $44,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,860 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,940
+$2,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,620
+$4,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,860
+$6,860 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $43,228
25th Percentile $54,784
Median (50th) $70,395
75th Percentile $93,304
90th Percentile $113,420

Police Officer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$71,053
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$62,501
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$55,922
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$53,948
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Police Officer in Chicago

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open police officer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Police Officer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median police officer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $70,395 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $43,228 (10th percentile) to $113,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,395, a police officer in Chicago earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for police officer pay? ▼
Chicago's median police officer salary of $70,395 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $62,501. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $70,395 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Chicago? ▼
Most police officer positions in Chicago 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.