Police Officer Salaries in Texas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a police officer make in Texas? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $76,350/yr ($36.71/hr), with around 62,230 people working in this field statewide.
Police Officer salaries in Texas are above the national average by approximately $3,109. Texas has no state income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for police officers.
Texas Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Texas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Texas has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Texas has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Texas Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Texas median of $76,350.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Texas
Police Officer Salary Trend in Texas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Texas 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 Texas's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Texas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $84,750 | $40.75 | +11.0% | 21,780 |
| Dallas | $80,950 | $38.92 | +6.0% | 17,424 |
| Austin | $78,650 | $37.81 | +3.0% | 11,201 |
| San Antonio | $73,300 | $35.24 | -4.0% | 5,600 |
| Fort Worth | $69,500 | $33.41 | -9.0% | 3,733 |
| El Paso | $66,400 | $31.92 | -13.0% | 2,489 |
Tip: Houston offers the highest police officer salaries in Texas at $84,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Texas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Texas compares favourably for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Texas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Texas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Texas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for police officers.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Texas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Texas typically adds $62,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Houston pays police officers $84,750/yr — +11.0% above the Texas average. Simply relocating within Texas 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 Texas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Mexico pays police officers $63,340/yr — -17.0% vs Texas.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Texas
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Texas:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Texas — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Texas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Houston, TX→