Public Service Vermont (VT) Rank #16 of 50

Police Officer Salary in Vermont

The median police officer salary in Vermont is $66,448 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $65,790.

Median Salary
$66,448
vs National
+$658
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Police Officer Salary Overview in Vermont (2026)

Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for police officer compensation. Vermont falls in the middle of the pack for police officer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $66,448 per year, police officers in Vermont earn $658 more than the national median of $65,790.

Vermont's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning police officer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Vermont is significant: police officers at the 10th percentile earn $40,804, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $107,060 — a $66,256 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Vermont for this role is Burlington, where the median reaches $72,369.

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for police officers across the country.

Police Officer Salary in Vermont by Experience

In Vermont, an entry-level police officer earns around $42,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,980 per year. The cost of living index in Vermont is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,420
+$420 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,660
+$660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$98,980
+$980 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Vermont

Percentile VT Salary
10th Percentile $40,804
25th Percentile $51,712
Median (50th) $66,448
75th Percentile $88,072
90th Percentile $107,060

Police Officer Salary by City in Vermont

The largest employment areas for police officers in Vermont include Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, and Colchester. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Police Officer in Vermont

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Vermont has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook in Vermont

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Vermont's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Vermont

How much does a Police Officer make in Vermont? ▼
The median police officer salary in Vermont is $66,448 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $40,804 (10th percentile) to $107,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Vermont? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,448, a police officer in Vermont earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Vermont a good state for police officers? ▼
Vermont ranks #16 out of 50 states for police officer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level police officers earn $42,420, while senior professionals earn $98,980.
How does Vermont compare to other states for police officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for police officers is Hawaii at $111,843. Vermont's median of $66,448 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Virginia ($68,422) and Delaware ($66,448).
What is the entry-level police officer salary in Vermont? ▼
An entry-level police officer in Vermont earns approximately $42,420 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,660. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $98,980.
What city in Vermont pays police officers the most? ▼
Burlington is the highest paying city in Vermont for police officers, with a median salary of $72,369. Other cities include Essex and South Burlington.