Police Officer Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $86,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $86,475/year (≈ $41.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $79,117 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the projected median annual salary for police officers in 2026 is $86,475. This notably exceeds the national median of $78,542 by 10.10%, providing a compelling incentive for prospective officers considering a career in law enforcement within the city. Salary ranges for officers vary significantly, starting at $53,184 for the lowest-paid ten percent and going up to $127,091 for those in the top ten percent. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026 through regional cost adjustments, reflect a robust compensation framework. The attractive pay structure is essential in a competitive job market, especially given Gaithersburg’s unique positioning within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,184 | $25.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,084 | $31.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,475 | $41.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,687 | $53.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,091 | $61.10 |
Median Salary Position
10.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,907 (2026 est.). At $86,475, the local median is 10.1% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg Police Officer Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $86,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $85,873 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | +10.10% more |
Police Officers in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $86,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $85,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,117 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,528
2025 BLS Actual
$83,907
2026 Current Est.
$86,475
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,528 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,435 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,121 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $69,528 (2019) to $83,907 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,121 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,593 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $53,184 – $66,084 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,084 – $86,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,475 – $110,687 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,687 – $127,091 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Gaithersburg
With 14 police officers currently employed in Gaithersburg, the local labor market demonstrates a steady demand for law enforcement professionals. The cost of living index stands at 109.3, slightly above the national average, indicating that officers may need to account for elevated living expenses when evaluating their take-home pay. Among local employers, municipal police departments generally offer the most competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the pay variation include agency type, with federal law enforcement often commanding the highest salaries, and variables such as overtime opportunities, educational incentives, and specific duty assignments leading to additional stipends. To maximize earnings in the Gaithersburg market, officers should consider pursuing specialized training and promotional opportunities, as well as considering the long-term benefits of the pension multiplier formula that can significantly enhance retirement compensation.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
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 $83,907 for police officersin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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