Police Officer Salary in Tukwila, WA: $95,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Tukwila, WA earns a median $95,079/year (≈ $45.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $88,528 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officer salaries in Tukwila, Washington, are projected to reach a median annual salary of $95,079. This figure showcases a competitive compensation level, outperforming the national median for police officers, which stands at $78,542. The local salary range extends from $64,772 at the 10th percentile to $134,412 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, highlight Tukwila's positioning as an appealing option for police officers amid varying pay scales across federal, state, and municipal agencies. Those considering a role here will find suitable opportunities within the structure of local law enforcement agencies, which contribute significantly to the job market.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,772 | $31.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,661 | $35.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,079 | $45.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,095 | $56.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,412 | $64.62 |
Median Salary Position
21.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,640 (2026 est.). At $95,079, the local median is 21.05% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Police Officer Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $95,079/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $102,899 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +21.05% more |
Police Officers in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $95,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.05% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $102,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,079 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,528 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,446
2025 BLS Actual
$92,256
2026 Current Est.
$95,079
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,339 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,214 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,359 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,988 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $76,446 (2019) to $92,256 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,542 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $64,772 – $74,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,661 – $95,079 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,079 – $118,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,095 – $134,412 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Tukwila
The current job market in Tukwila employs only four police officers, indicating a small but stable local environment for law enforcement professionals. The cost of living index in the region is 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are relatively higher than some other areas, the increased costs need consideration to understand true purchasing power. Among the various police employment options, federal law enforcement agencies tend to offer the highest salaries, followed by municipal police departments like Tukwila's. Differences in pay often arise from factors such as agency type, with federal positions generally offering the best compensation. To maximize earning potential, prospective officers in Tukwila should consider pursuing special unit assignments, furthering their education for pay incentives, and seeking opportunities for overtime, as these avenues can significantly enhance overall earnings in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Tukwila, 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 $92,256 for police officersin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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