Senior Police Officer Salary in De Pere, WI: $112,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of police officers working in De Pere, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $112,119/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 33-3051. Strip back De Pere's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $120,042 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Earning potential for senior police officers in De Pere, Wisconsin reflects their extensive experience and dedication to the force. In 2026, those at the upper echelons can anticipate salaries reaching as high as $112,119, with the 75th percentile earning around $99,506. This notable disparity from the 2026 median annual salary of $79,078 illustrates the significant financial rewards available to seasoned professionals. To attain these top-tier salaries, officers typically must build a wealth of experience, engage in specialized training, and excel in demanding roles within the department. Compared to the national top earners, De Pere's salary potential for experienced officers is competitive, outpacing the national median of $78,542 by a small margin, and cementing the city's position as a viable location for career advancement in police work.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Experienced police officers at the top of the pay scale in De Pere earn between $99,506 and $112,119 per year (2026 est.). This $62,669 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The De Pere median of $79,078 sits 0.68% above the US median.
Top PO Salary Comparison
| Level | De Pere | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,078 | $78,542 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,506 | $100,587 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $112,119 | $118,643 |
In De Pere, experienced police officers (P90) earn 41.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Police Officer Pay in De Pere
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI police officers with additional specialty certifications within the law enforcement field earn significantly above the $79,078 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by De Pere employers.
Specialty Focus
Police Officers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the law enforcement field in De Pere command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,506–$112,119 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the De Pere 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 De Pere with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Police Officers in Wisconsin 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 De Pere
Clinical Police Officer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Police Officer
5-10 yearsPolice Officer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDe Pere ranks #18 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner police officer salary (90th percentile: $112,119).
Top 10% police officer compensation in De Pere ($112,119) is 14.21% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($98,170).
2019 BLS Actual
$99,444
2025 BLS Actual
$108,790
2026 Current Est.
$112,119
2019–2027 Growth
+16.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,376 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,550 | Projected |
Top-earning police officers (90th percentile) in De Pere saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $99,444 in 2019 to $108,790 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 $115,550 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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 De Pere
Within De Pere, certain specializations in law enforcement command higher compensation, reflecting the complexity and demand of these roles. Officers focusing on areas such as investigations, narcotics, or tactical units like SWAT often enjoy elevated salaries, enhancing their earning capacity well beyond the median. Compensation varies significantly based on employer type; for example, federal positions in agencies such as the FBI or DEA frequently offer more lucrative pay compared to municipal or state police roles. Advancement opportunities abound, allowing officers to transition from patrol to leadership roles, such as sergeant or captain, and even into federal law enforcement positions. An array of advanced credentials can also contribute to increased pay, with additional training from recognized institutions like the FBI Academy further enhancing an officer's marketability. Non-salary compensation factors, including agency preference, overtime opportunities, and shift differentials, play a vital role in shaping the overall financial landscape for experienced police officers in De Pere, WI.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced police officers make in De Pere in 2026?
What drives higher police officer pay in De Pere?
What certifications boost police officer salary in De Pere?
Can experienced police officers make six figures in De Pere?
How much does police officer salary increase over time in De Pere?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $108,790 for police officers in the De Pere 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
Salary data for De Pere 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