Public Service Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Police Officer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median police officer salary in Memphis, TN is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$56,579
vs State Avg
$-1,974
vs National
$-9,211
Cost of Living
86%

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

Memphis offers a median police officer salary of $56,579, which is $1,974 below the Tennessee state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $56,579 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Memphis spans from $34,744 at the 10th percentile to $91,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,416 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,280. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,280
$-13,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $34,744
25th Percentile $44,032
Median (50th) $56,579
75th Percentile $74,992
90th Percentile $91,160

Police Officer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$65,790
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$60,527
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$57,895
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$57,895
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Police Officer in Memphis

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Memphis

Browse open police officer positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Police Officer make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median police officer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $34,744 (10th percentile) to $91,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,579, a police officer in Memphis earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for police officer pay? ▼
Memphis's median police officer salary of $56,579 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $58,553. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $56,579 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Memphis? ▼
Most police officer positions in Memphis 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.