Police Officer Salary in Dover, DE: $72,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Dover, DE earns a median $72,820/year (≈ $35.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Dover's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $71,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in Dover, Delaware present a competitive outlook, with the median earning approximately $72,820 annually. This figure sits below the national median of $78,542, reflecting a slight variance of -7.29%. Salaries in Dover range from $44,480 at the 10th percentile to a high of $104,400 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of compensation based on experience and assignments. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight how overtime opportunities from court appearances and special details can significantly enhance overall earnings. In a relatively small police force of seven officers in the area, opportunities for these additional earnings can contribute to the total compensation, ultimately shaping the decisions of prospective law enforcement candidates.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,480 | $21.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,690 | $28.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,820 | $35.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,985 | $43.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,400 | $50.19 |
Median Salary Position
7.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, DE, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,920 (2026 est.). At $72,820, the local median is 7.29% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dover Police Officer Pay Compares
Dover median: $72,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $73,481 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -7.29% less |
Police Officers in Dover, DE earn a median of $72,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.29% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $73,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,820 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,603 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,350
2025 BLS Actual
$70,658
2026 Current Est.
$72,820
2019–2027 Growth
+2.3%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,048 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew -3.7% from $73,350 (2019) to $70,658 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,048 by 2027 — a total increase of $1,698 (2.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,480 – $59,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,690 – $72,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,820 – $90,985 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,985 – $104,400 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Dover
The job market for police officers in Dover offers unique dynamics, particularly when factoring in the local cost-of-living index, which stands at 101.7, suggesting that daily expenses are slightly above the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay, prompting officers to be strategic in their career choices. Among local employers, the city’s municipal police department typically offers the most competitive salaries, compared to county, state, and federal agencies. The disparity in pay among different law enforcement types can be attributed to factors like union contracts, special unit assignments, and educational incentives. To maximize earning potential, aspiring police officers in Dover should consider pursuing higher education and specialized training, which often lead to significant salary increases. Understanding the importance of overtime and the nuances of the benefits offerings can also play a vital role in career advancement within the law enforcement community.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $70,658 for police officersin the Dover metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dover 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