Police Officer Salary in Fairfax, VA: $58,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Fairfax, VA earns a median $58,011/year (≈ $27.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Fairfax, VA, can expect a median annual salary of $58,011, which represents a significant regional disparity when compared to the national median of $78,542. Salaries in this community range from around $37,521 at the 10th percentile to $82,071 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide pay scale that reflects varying levels of experience, responsibility, and position within the municipal structure. These figures are derived from state-level data projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for cost-of-living considerations specific to the Fairfax area. Understanding this salary landscape is crucial for both new recruits and seasoned officers as they navigate their career trajectories and potential retirement benefits.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,521 | $18.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,594 | $21.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,011 | $27.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,093 | $34.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,071 | $39.46 |
Median Salary Position
26.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,550 (2026 est.). At $58,011, the local median is 26.14% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Police Officer Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $58,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,745 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -26.14% less |
Police Officers in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $58,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.14% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $60,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,011 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,212 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,643
2025 BLS Actual
$56,289
2026 Current Est.
$58,011
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,086 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,787 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $46,643 (2019) to $56,289 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,787 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,144 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $37,521 – $45,594 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,594 – $58,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,011 – $72,093 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,093 – $82,071 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Fairfax
Local employment for police officers in Fairfax currently stands at four professionals, indicating a compact job market that could provide advantages in terms of career growth within a smaller community. The cost of living index in Fairfax is set at 103.2, suggesting that although salaries may appear lower than the national average, living expenses also reflect this regional economic reality, impacting take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, positions within federal law enforcement agencies typically offer the highest compensations, followed by county sheriff's offices and municipal departments. The variability in pay can be attributed to factors such as agency type, labor agreements, shift differentials, and educational incentives, all of which can enhance a police officer's earnings potential. To maximize compensation, individuals in this Fairfax market should consider pursuing opportunities in specialized units or federal roles post-retirement, where salaries and benefits significantly outpace municipal rates.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can police officers make $100K in Fairfax?
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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 $56,289 for police officersin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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