Police Officer Salaries in Maryland — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a police officer make in Maryland? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $77,440/yr ($37.23/hr), with around 9,420 people working in this field statewide.
Police Officer salaries in Maryland are above the national average by approximately $4,199. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Access to major East Coast metros gives Maryland police officers access to higher-paying employers.
Maryland Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Maryland after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Maryland Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Maryland median of $77,440.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Maryland
Police Officer Salary Trend in Maryland — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Maryland 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 Maryland's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Maryland
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $85,950 | $41.32 | +11.0% | 3,297 |
| Frederick | $82,100 | $39.47 | +6.0% | 2,637 |
| Rockville | $79,750 | $38.34 | +3.0% | 1,695 |
| Gaithersburg | $74,350 | $35.75 | -4.0% | 847 |
| Bowie | $70,450 | $33.87 | -9.0% | 565 |
| Annapolis | $67,350 | $32.38 | -13.0% | 376 |
Tip: Baltimore offers the highest police officer salaries in Maryland at $85,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Maryland vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Maryland sits in the mid-range for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Maryland has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Maryland
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Maryland is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Maryland job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Maryland police officers access to higher-paying employers.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Maryland
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Maryland typically adds $63,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Baltimore pays police officers $85,950/yr — +11.0% above the Maryland average. Simply relocating within Maryland 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 Maryland. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays police officers $86,350/yr — 11.5% vs Maryland.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Maryland
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Maryland:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Maryland — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Maryland — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Baltimore, MD→