Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Everett, WA: $61,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,060 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,529) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the police force in Everett, Washington, can expect an entry-level police officer salary of around $61,060. While this starting pay represents the lower end of the salary range, it's important to recognize that the median annual salary for police officers in Everett is projected to be $104,529. This translates to a significant gap between starting pay and the median, illustrating the potential for salary growth as officers gain experience. Over the first three to five years, a new officer can realistically progress through the pay brackets, moving from the entry-level salary toward the $77,684 mark at the 25th percentile. Given the competitive salaries in Everett compared to national standards, where the 2026 national median is $78,542, this market appears favorable for new graduates looking to begin their law enforcement careers.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
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 Everett
Entry-level police officers in Everett, WA typically start between $61,060 and $77,684 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,960 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,529 — 33.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Washington of $8,000 represents just 13.10% of the starting police officer pay ($61,060/year) in Everett. 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 Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $61,060 to $77,684, 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 Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett'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 Everett is $100,960 ( 165.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,060, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,020.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,091
2025 BLS Actual
$59,247
2026 Current Est.
$61,060
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,091 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,911 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,928 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,091 in 2019 to $59,247 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,928. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
Several employers actively recruit entry-level officers in Everett, including local municipal departments that utilize structured pathways through the Washington Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. Opportunities also exist with state police and highway patrol, which pull from state academies. However, federal law enforcement agencies often prioritize applicants with prior experience, particularly in roles like FBI special agents, which require a bachelor's degree and several years of relevant experience. Credentials to bolster entry-level pay include POST certification, which typically spans 6-9 months, as well as success in physical fitness, psychological evaluations, and background checks. Officers looking to enhance their prospects might consider additional qualifications, such as a degree in criminal justice or specialized training programs. In this competitive yet rewarding field, realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years suggest that diligent work and continued education can lead to rewarding pay increases, especially when compared to national benchmarks.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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