Tennessee ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for police and sheriff's patrol officers pay, trailing top-paying California ($115,400) by $55,990 — a 94% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $40,940 to $81,340 — a $40,400 spread, 40% tighter than the national $67,640 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.1% of all police and sheriff's patrol officers in the country (13,780 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $40,940 | $19.68 |
| 25th percentile | $48,130 | $23.14 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,410 | $28.56 |
| 75th percentile | $70,980 | $34.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $81,340 | $39.11 |
| Mean (average) | $60,280 | $28.98 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $59,410 | n/a |
| California | $115,400 | +94% |
| Washington | $102,640 | +73% |
| Illinois | $101,530 | +71% |
| Alaska | $100,300 | +69% |
| Colorado | $96,100 | +62% |
| New York | $93,050 | +57% |
| Hawaii | $89,390 | +50% |
| New Jersey | $89,030 | +50% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $59,420 | 2,050 |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $59,380 | 2,430 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $59,460 | 2,920 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $59,470 | 2,720 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $59,590 | 2,300 |
| Electricians | $59,190 | 19,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Tennessee?
The mean police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in Tennessee is $60,280 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Tennessee?
Entry-level police and sheriff's patrol officerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $40,940 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,130 per year.
What is the highest Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $81,340 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $70,980 per year.
How does the Tennessee Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary compare to the national average?
The median police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in Tennessee is $59,410, which is -22% below national average of $76,290.