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Police Officer Salaries in Georgia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Police Officers in Georgia earn an average of $56,350 per year ($27.09/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 21,540 police officers.

Police Officer salaries in Georgia are below the national average by approximately $16,891. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for police officers.

Georgia Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Georgia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$56,350
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$45,255

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Georgia Police Officer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Georgia median of $56,350.

Your annual salary ($)

Police Officer Salary by Experience — Georgia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$34,900/yr · $16.78/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Georgia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$50,151/yr · $24.11/hr
Established professional working independently in Georgia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$62,548/yr · $30.07/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Georgia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$81,100+/yr · $38.99/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Georgia.
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Police Officer Salary Trend in Georgia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Georgia has seen 13.9% wage growth for police officers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Georgia's law enforcement and public safety.

2021
$49,475
2022
$52,349
+5.8%
2023
$54,772
+4.6%
2024
$55,673
+1.6%
2026
$56,350
+1.2%

Police Officer Salary by City — Georgia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Atlanta$62,550$30.07+11.0%7,538
Savannah$59,750$28.73+6.0%6,031
Augusta$58,050$27.91+3.0%3,877
Columbus$54,100$26.01-4.0%1,938
Macon$51,300$24.66-9.0%1,292
Athens$49,000$23.56-13.0%861

Tip: Atlanta offers the highest police officer salaries in Georgia at $62,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Georgia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Georgia sits in the mid-range for police officers.

Georgia — 5.49% state income tax$56,350 gross~$45,255 take-home
Florida — no state tax$76,190 gross+35.2% vs GA
Alabama — 5.0%$53,850 gross-4.4% vs GA
Tennessee — no state tax$59,410 gross+5.4% vs GA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

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Police Officer Job Outlook in Georgia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
21,540Currently employed
2,154+New jobs projected

Employment for police officers in Georgia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Georgia job market. Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for police officers.

How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Georgia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Georgia typically adds $46,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Atlanta pays police officers $62,550/yr — +11.0% above the Georgia average. Simply relocating within Georgia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement and public safety typically command premium rates in Georgia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Florida pays police officers $76,190/yr — 35.2% vs Georgia.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Georgia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a police officer make in Georgia?
The average police officer salary in Georgia is $56,350 per year, or $27.09 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $34,900 while experienced professionals earn $81,100 or more.
Which Georgia city has the highest police officer salary?
Atlanta pays police officers the most in Georgia at an average of $62,550 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is police officer pay in Georgia above or below the US average?
Georgia police officer salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $16,891. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
What's the after-tax salary for police officers in Georgia?
A police officer earning the Georgia average of $56,350 takes home approximately $45,255 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Should you become a police officer in Georgia?
Yes. Police Officer is a strong career choice in Georgia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for police officers.
How do you become a licensed police officer in Georgia?
In Georgia, police officers are licensed through the State Law Enforcement Training Commission. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Law Enforcement Training Commission for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.