Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Burien, WA: $66,193 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,193 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,632 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,385) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career in law enforcement in Burien, Washington, can anticipate a starting police officer salary of around $66,193 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $102,385, it reflects a promising entry point into a field that offers wage growth potential. Over the first three to five years, with experience and performance, entry-level officers can expect to reach salaries around the 25th percentile at $80,661, moving closer to the median as they establish themselves in the profession. Given the competitive nature of the job market and the attractive salary projections compared to national averages—where the median pay is $78,542—Burien represents a worthwhile option for new grads.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Entry-level police officers in Burien, WA typically start between $66,193 and $80,661 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $92,307 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,385 — 30.36% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Washington of $8,000 represents just 12.09% of the starting police officer pay ($66,193/year) in Burien. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates cover police academy tuition (often paid by hiring department), physical/psychological testing fees, and optional associate degree in criminal justice. Many large departments sponsor recruits and pay them during academy training.
PO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $66,193 to $80,661, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the law enforcement field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Police Officer Compensation Range
The police officer wage spread in Burien is $92,307 ( 139.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,193, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,966
2025 BLS Actual
$64,228
2026 Current Est.
$66,193
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,966 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,939 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,332 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,832 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,918 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,193 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,219 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,966 in 2019 to $64,228 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,219. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your law enforcement Career in Burien
Burien's municipal departments are the primary recruiters for entry-level police positions, often requiring candidates to complete a state Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy, which can take six to nine months. While the federal landscape usually prioritizes applicants with significant experience, opportunities exist with universities and transit police, allowing new recruits to gain valuable insights and experience. To enhance their earning potential and career advancement, completing additional credentials, such as specialty certifications from established academies, can be beneficial. New officers entering the field can expect variable salary trajectories in their first few years, influenced by regional pay scales. While some larger metropolitan areas can offer salaries in the $130,000 to $200,000 range, Burien remains competitive, providing a stable entry-level starting point that should appeal to beginning officers in WA who are keen on a fulfilling career in law enforcement.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for police officers in Burien in 2026?
How fast do police officer salaries grow in Burien?
Is law enforcement school worth it in Burien?
What do new police officers make right out of school in Burien?
How do I become a police officer in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new law enforcement graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov