Public Service Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

Police Officer Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median police officer salary in Nashville, TN is $65,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$65,790
vs State Avg
+$7,237
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median police officer salary of $65,790, which is $7,237 above the Tennessee state average of $58,553. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $40,400 at the 10th percentile to $106,000 at the 90th percentile — a $65,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level police officer earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $40,400
25th Percentile $51,200
Median (50th) $65,790
75th Percentile $87,200
90th Percentile $106,000

Police Officer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$60,527
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$57,895
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$57,895
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$56,579
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Police Officer in Nashville

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Nashville 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 Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Nashville

Browse open police officer positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Nashville

How much does a Police Officer make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median police officer salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $65,790 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $40,400 (10th percentile) to $106,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,790, a police officer in Nashville earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for police officer pay? ▼
Nashville's median police officer salary of $65,790 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $58,553. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $65,790 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Nashville? ▼
Most police officer positions in Nashville 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.