Senior Police Officer Salary in Burlington, VT: $100,597 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of police officers working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,597/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 33-3051. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,651 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For seasoned police officers in Burlington, Vermont, the financial rewards for top-tier positions can be significant. With a projected annual salary reaching $100,597 at the 90th percentile in 2026, the leading earners in the area enjoy a substantial difference from the median salary of $76,677. This experience premium reflects the dedication and expertise required to ascend to these elite ranks, commonly seen as the culmination of years of active service. Achieving this level of compensation typically means moving through a series of advanced roles, progressively taking on more responsibilities in critical units such as SWAT, narcotics, or investigation divisions, confirming that specialization and leadership can lead to markedly higher pay within Vermont’s local law enforcement.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced police officers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $83,963 and $100,597 per year (2026 est.). This $43,306 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $76,677 sits 2.37% below the US median.
Top PO Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $76,677 | $78,542 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,963 | $100,587 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,597 | $118,643 |
In Burlington, experienced police officers (P90) earn 31.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Police Officer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT police officers with additional specialty certifications within the law enforcement field earn significantly above the $76,677 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Police Officers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the law enforcement field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,963–$100,597 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced police officers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured police officers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Police Officers in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Police Officer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Police Officer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Police Officer
5-10 yearsPolice Officer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #9 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner police officer salary (90th percentile: $100,597).
Top 10% police officer compensation in Burlington ($100,597) is 0.76% below the Vermont average P90 ($101,370).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,160
2025 BLS Actual
$97,610
2026 Current Est.
$100,597
2019–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,597 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,675 | Projected |
Top-earning police officers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 29.9% from $75,160 in 2019 to $97,610 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,675 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Police Officer Earnings in Burlington
At the senior ranks, police officer compensation in Burlington varies based on specialization and government structure. Officers working as detectives in narcotics or homicide units often command a premium due to the intricate nature of their investigations, while specialized roles such as K-9 unit members or tactical support in SWAT may also receive additional stipends. The differences in employer types—ranging from municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices to state police and federal agencies like the FBI—further illustrate how senior police officer pay in VT can differ greatly. Moreover, advancement pathways from patrol officer to higher ranks such as corporal and captain can open doors to increased salaries and benefits, especially for those who pursue relevant certifications and training. Additional factors such as union negotiations, overtime structures, educational incentives, and pension formulas can significantly enhance total compensation, suggesting that strategic career moves remain vital for those looking to maximize their pay as experienced police officers in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced police officers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher police officer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost police officer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced police officers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does police officer salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Vermont
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $97,610 for police officers in the Burlington metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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