Colorado Median
$97,350
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.80
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+28% vs US median
US median $76,210
State Rank
#5 of 51
9,610 employed here
How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Colorado?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Colorado take home a median of $97,350 annually — roughly $46.80 an hour — which runs 28% above the national median of $76,210.
Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $65,340 while the top 10% make $109,300 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $76,640 and $102,620 a year.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary range in Colorado
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $65,340 | $31.41 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $76,640 | $36.85 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $97,350 | $46.80 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $102,620 | $49.34 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $109,300 | $52.55 |
|
How Colorado compares
Colorado ranks 5th out of 51 states and territories for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in other states
California $118,880Washington $102,080Illinois $100,520Alaska $99,130Delaware $92,970New York $92,790New Jersey $92,610District of Columbia $88,650Oregon $88,140Pennsylvania $85,470Hawaii $83,820Minnesota $83,360Connecticut $82,170Massachusetts $78,940Arizona $78,880Nevada $78,140Wisconsin $78,090Maryland $77,970Utah $77,310Rhode Island $77,230Ohio $77,020Texas $75,900Nebraska $74,620North Dakota $74,500Florida $74,470Iowa $74,470Michigan $73,730Indiana $73,370New Hampshire $71,640Montana $70,050New Mexico $69,180Vermont $68,910Maine $67,050Idaho $66,990Wyoming $66,140Virginia $65,870South Dakota $60,740Kentucky $60,490Oklahoma $59,700Missouri $59,460North Carolina $59,300Tennessee $59,280Kansas $59,230Georgia $58,120South Carolina $58,070West Virginia $56,960Alabama $51,270Louisiana $48,380Arkansas $47,670Mississippi $46,140
Working as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Colorado
Nationally, about 671,000 people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($97,350) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Colorado?
The median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Colorado is $97,350 per year, or about $46.80 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,340 at the entry level to $109,300 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers about 28% more than the national median of $76,210. Colorado ranks 5th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $97,350 a year. About 9,610 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.