Police Officer Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median police officer salary in Wisconsin is $78,980 per year, equivalent to $37.97/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Wisconsin employs approximately 11,500 police officers statewide.
Police Officer salaries in Wisconsin are above the national average by approximately $5,739. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Wisconsin's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for police officers across both urban and rural areas.
Wisconsin Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Wisconsin after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Wisconsin Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $78,980.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Wisconsin
Police Officer Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for police officers in Wisconsin: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Wisconsin's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Wisconsin
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $87,650 | $42.14 | +11.0% | 4,024 |
| Madison | $83,700 | $40.24 | +6.0% | 3,220 |
| Green Bay | $81,350 | $39.11 | +3.0% | 2,070 |
| Kenosha | $75,800 | $36.44 | -4.0% | 1,035 |
| Racine | $71,850 | $34.54 | -9.0% | 690 |
| Appleton | $68,700 | $33.03 | -13.0% | 460 |
Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest police officer salaries in Wisconsin at $87,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Wisconsin sits in the mid-range for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Wisconsin
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. Wisconsin's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for police officers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Wisconsin
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Wisconsin typically adds $64,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays police officers $87,650/yr — +11.0% above the Wisconsin average. Simply relocating within Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays police officers $83,310/yr — 5.5% vs Wisconsin.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Wisconsin
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Wisconsin:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Wisconsin — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Wisconsin — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Milwaukee, WI→