Public Service Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Police Officer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median police officer salary in Detroit, MI is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$57,895
vs State Avg
$-1,316
vs National
$-7,895
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median police officer salary of $57,895, which is $1,316 below the Michigan state average of $59,211. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Detroit spans from $35,552 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $57,728 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $35,552
25th Percentile $45,056
Median (50th) $57,895
75th Percentile $76,736
90th Percentile $93,280

Police Officer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$69,080
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$59,211
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$57,895
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$56,579
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Police Officer in Detroit

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open police officer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Police Officer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median police officer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $35,552 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,895, a police officer in Detroit earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for police officer pay? ▼
Detroit's median police officer salary of $57,895 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $59,211. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $57,895 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Detroit? ▼
Most police officer positions in Detroit 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.