Police Officer Salary in Tacoma, WA: $116,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Tacoma, WA earns a median $116,664/year (≈ $56.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $108,626 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the projected median annual salary for police officers in 2026 is anticipated to be $116,664, which is significantly higher than the national median of $78,542 by approximately 48.54%. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate a broad salary range for police officers from $71,036 at the 10th percentile to as much as $180,829 at the 90th percentile. This variation underscores the economic realities officers face, especially considering the growing demand for overtime work linked to mandatory court appearances and special detail assignments. Such factors not only enhance overall compensation but also reflect the strength of the local law enforcement market, driven by Tacoma's unique operational environment.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,036 | $34.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,171 | $42.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,664 | $56.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,330 | $71.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,829 | $86.94 |
Median Salary Position
48.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,793 (2026 est.). At $116,664, the local median is 48.54% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Police Officer Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $116,664/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $102,878 | +13.40% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | +48.54% more |
Police Officers in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $116,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.54% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 13.40% above the Washington state average of $102,878.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,664 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,626 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,801
2025 BLS Actual
$113,200
2026 Current Est.
$116,664
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,351 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,722 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,234 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $93,801 (2019) to $113,200 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,234 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,433 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $71,036 – $89,171 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,171 – $116,664 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,664 – $149,330 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,330 – $180,829 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Tacoma
The local job market for police officers in Tacoma, with 56 currently employed, portrays a promising landscape amidst a cost-of-living index of 107.4, indicating above-average living expenses that affect overall take-home pay. Among various employers, municipal departments tend to pay competitively, though federal agencies often lead the pack in compensation. The disparity between high and low salaries is influenced by various factors, including the type of agency, union contracts, overtime structures, and special unit stipends for assignments like K-9 or SWAT. To maximize earnings in this market, officers should consider engaging in advanced training and pursuing positions that offer educational incentives or specializing in areas that provide shift differentials and a more favorable pension multiplier.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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
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 $113,200 for police officersin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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