Public Service Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Police Officer Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median police officer salary in Baltimore, MD is $71,053 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$71,053
vs State Avg
$-1,316
vs National
+$5,263
Cost of Living
108%

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

Baltimore offers a median police officer salary of $71,053, which is $1,316 below the Maryland state average of $72,369. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% 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 Baltimore spans from $43,632 at the 10th percentile to $114,480 at the 90th percentile — a $70,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,360, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,840. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level police officer earns around $45,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,360
+$3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
+$5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,840
+$7,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $43,632
25th Percentile $55,296
Median (50th) $71,053
75th Percentile $94,176
90th Percentile $114,480

Police Officer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$80,264
Pop. 81,015
Columbia, MD
$77,632
Pop. 104,681
Germantown, MD
$75,659
Pop. 90,676
Waldorf, MD
$69,080
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Police Officer in Baltimore

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open police officer positions in Baltimore, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Police Officer make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median police officer salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $71,053 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $43,632 (10th percentile) to $114,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,053, a police officer in Baltimore earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for police officer pay? ▼
Baltimore's median police officer salary of $71,053 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $72,369. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $71,053 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Baltimore? ▼
Most police officer positions in Baltimore 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.