Police Officer Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Tennessee pays police officers a median wage of $59,410 per year — that's $28.56/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 13,780 police officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Police Officer salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $13,831. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add police officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $59,410.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Police Officer Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataPolice Officer salaries in Tennessee have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $65,950 | $31.71 | +11.0% | 4,823 |
| Memphis | $62,950 | $30.26 | +6.0% | 3,858 |
| Knoxville | $61,200 | $29.42 | +3.0% | 2,480 |
| Chattanooga | $57,050 | $27.43 | -4.0% | 1,240 |
| Clarksville | $54,050 | $25.99 | -9.0% | 826 |
| Murfreesboro | $51,700 | $24.86 | -13.0% | 551 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest police officer salaries in Tennessee at $65,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add police officer jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Tennessee typically adds $48,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays police officers $65,950/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays police officers $60,230/yr — 1.4% vs Tennessee.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Nashville, TN→