Public Service Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Police Officer Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median police officer salary in Arlington, VA is $86,843 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$86,843
vs State Avg
+$18,421
vs National
+$21,053
Cost of Living
132%

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

Arlington offers a median police officer salary of $86,843, which is $18,421 above the Virginia state average of $68,422. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,843 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in Arlington spans from $53,328 at the 10th percentile to $139,920 at the 90th percentile — a $86,592 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,440, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,360. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level police officer earns around $55,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,440
+$13,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,120
+$21,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,360
+$31,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $53,328
25th Percentile $67,584
Median (50th) $86,843
75th Percentile $115,104
90th Percentile $139,920

Police Officer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$67,106
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$65,790
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$64,474
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$63,158
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Police Officer in Arlington

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Arlington

Browse open police officer positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Arlington

How much does a Police Officer make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median police officer salary in Arlington, Virginia is $86,843 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $53,328 (10th percentile) to $139,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,843, a police officer in Arlington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for police officer pay? ▼
Arlington's median police officer salary of $86,843 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $68,422. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $86,843 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Arlington? ▼
Most police officer positions in Arlington 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.