15 Highest-Paid Police Officers in Texas | Updated

Being a police officer comes with many risks. But, it is also one of the most rewarding jobs out there. Not only do you get to help keep your community safe, but you also get to enjoy a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes with knowing you are making a difference.

While a huge salary is not always the primary motivator for becoming a police officer, it is undoubtedly an important factor to consider.

In this article, we will look at the 15 highest-paid police officers in Texas so that you can make an informed decision about your future career path.

What Is The Average Salary Of A Police Officer In Texas? 

The overall compensation for a Police Officer in Texas is $68,093 per year, with an annual income of $47,302 being the average salary.

Suppose you require a straightforward calculator for salaries, it equals $19.86 per hour. This equates to $794 every week or $3,442 per month. 

There are few opportunities for increased pay because there is slight variation in the average pay range for this position (approximately $6,468). This is the case regardless of location.

The higher yearly salary is $20,791. Additional compensation may come from a monetary bonus, commission, tips, or a share of the profits.

What Are The Top Cities In Texas That Offer The Highest Paying Jobs For Police Officers In Texas?

It’s also good to complement your knowledge of the highest-paid police officer in Texas with cities that offer the most rewarding salaries for in-State police officers. 

We have identified ten cities in Texas where the average wage for the position of Police Officer is higher than the statewide average. Dallas is at the top of the list, followed by Odessa and Austin, who are quite close behind. 

Austin is ahead of the norm in Texas by 25%. Dallas continues this trend by adding $11,000 more than the average of $42,303.

As a result of these 10 cities paying, on average, more than the state average for the position of School Police Officer, the potential for professional and financial progress is quite promising.

What Do I Need To Get the Highest-Paid Police Jobs in Texas?

You must meet the state’s minimum requirements to get any of the highest-paid police jobs in Texas. To become a police officer in Texas, you must meet certain requirements established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Suppose you’re between the ages of 18 and 20. In that case, you can apply to become a police officer in Texas if you have an associate degree, 60 or more college credits, or an honorable discharge from the military after at least two years of service.

Other than that, the age limit is set at 21.

The following are some of the more fundamental requirements:

  • Graduates with a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Texas Class C driver’s license in good standing
  • Possession of firearms and ammunition per the law
  • A clean bill of health with no mental or physical ailments could jeopardize employment.

Chief Of Police

The chief of police is one of the highest-paid police officers in Texas. They are responsible for the overall operation of the police department. The Chief sets department policy and oversees the department’s budget.

Most importantly, they also represent the department at community events and in the media.

The chief of police typically earns a salary of $100,000 or more per year. They may also receive benefits such as a car allowance and health insurance. He is one of the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

Related: 15 Highest Paid Texas State Employees |2022 

Assistant Chief Of Police

Assistant Chief of Police earns an annual salary of $105,000. This position is responsible for leading and managing the police department. They oversee all operations and ensure that the department runs smoothly.

The assistant chief of police also works closely with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate efforts and ensure public safety.

This position requires a great deal of experience and knowledge about law enforcement. The assistant chief of police must be able to lead and manage a large team of officers.

They must also be able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. They are the next highest-paid police officers in Texas after police chiefs. 

Sheriff

One of the highest-paid police jobs in Texas is the sheriff’s job. Sheriffs in Texas make an average salary of $105,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the average salary for police officers in the state, which is $52,000 per year.

Sheriffs enforce the law in their counties. They typically have a large staff of deputies who help them with this job. In addition to their regular duties.

Related: 15 Highest Paid Texas High School Coaches | 2022 

The sheriff is the highest ranking officer in the county’s law enforcement agency. As such, they are responsible for setting the department’s policies and procedures.

They also oversee the budget and manage the department’s personnel.

Police Captain

Police Captains are the next highest-paid police officers in Texas. The average salary for a police captain is $92,540 per year.

The job duties of a police captain include leading and supervising a team of police officers, investigating crimes, and responding to emergencies. 

Police captains also develop and implement department policies. They must have excellent leadership skills and be able to communicate with other members of the department. 

Police Sergeant

According to data from Labor Statistics, the average police sergeant in Texas earns a salary of $81,090 per year, making them one of the highest-paid police officers in Texas. They typically have several years of experience as police officers and have completed additional training. Police sergeants typically supervise other police officers and oversee the day-to-day operations of a police department.

Related: 15 Highest Paid Texas Rangers Players |2022 

In addition to their salary, police sergeants in Texas also receive benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan.

They may also be eligible for overtime pay and holiday pay. Police sergeants work full-time and may work evenings, weekends, and holidays. It’s stressful being a sergeant, but they are one of the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

Special Agents

Special Agents investigate crimes and gather evidence. They also interview witnesses and suspects. They receive an annual salary of $84,089, one of the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

To become a Special Agent in Texas, you must have a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of law enforcement experience. You must also pass a written exam and a physical fitness test. 

Special Agent jobs come with high salaries, making them the highest-paid police jobs in Texas.

State troopers

Texas state troopers are among the highest-paid police officers in the state. They earn an average salary of $87,500 per year.

Texas state troopers patrol the state highways and provide law enforcement services to the public. They are also responsible for investigating accidents and enforcing traffic laws. In addition, they may assist local police departments when requested.

Texas state troopers must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete a training program at the Texas Highway Patrol Academy.

Related: 15 Highest Paid Texas News Anchors | 2022 

Lieutenant

Lieutenants typically earn an annual salary of $87,000. They also receive benefits such as health insurance and a pension. 

They lead a shift of officers and ensuring they carry out their duties properly. They also respond to calls for service and investigate crimes. In addition, lieutenants often testify in court as expert witnesses.

The job of a lieutenant is both challenging and rewarding. It requires strong leadership skills and a dedication to public safety. To become a lieutenant, you should have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. 

They are among the highest-paid police officers in Texas. 

Related: 15 Highest Paid Texas Rangers Players |2022 

Airport police officer

 Airport police officers handle the safety and security of airports. They typically earn a salary of $85,000 per year.

Airport police officers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also complete a training program approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLEOSE). 

In addition to their salary, airport police officers may receive health insurance and retirement benefits. They are the 6th highest-paid police officers in Texas.

Patrol officer

Patrol officers patrol their assigned areas and respond to calls for service. They also investigate crimes and make arrests.

Patrol officers are among the highest-paid police officers in Texas. They earn an average salary of $81,000 per year. 

Patrol officers typically have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some patrol officers may have an associate’s degree or higher. 

Most patrol officers receive on-the-job training.

In addition to their base salary, patrol officers may receive health, life, and a retirement plan. Some patrol officers may also receive bonuses and overtime pay.

Railroad police

Railroad police are some of the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

They protect the railroads and their property from crime. 

Railroad police officers typically earn a salary of $65,000 per year, and it’s safe to assume that tails road jobs are among the highest-paid police jobs in Texas.

Transit Police Officer

Transit police officers in Texas are among the highest-paid police officers in the state. They earn an average salary of $64,490 per year.

These officers play a vital role in keeping the public safe. They patrol public transportation systems and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

To become a transit police officer, one must undergo extensive training to prepare for the job. They must also be able to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. 

Transit police officers play an important role in keeping the public safe and deserve to be among the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

Deputy sheriff

According to the website Texaspayrolls.com, the average annual salary for a deputy sheriff in Texas is $61,086. This is higher than the average salary for police officers in most other states. 

The website also reports that Houston has the highest-paid police officers in Texas. The average annual salary for a Houston sheriff is $78,620. 

This is due to the high cost of living in Houston and the large size of the city’s police force.

Police clerk

Police clerks are the highest-paid police officers in Texas. They earn an average salary of $62,000 per year.

Police clerks perform various administrative tasks, such as keeping records, filing reports, and answering phones. They also provide support to police officers and other staff members.

Police clerks need to have excellent communication and organizational skills. They must be able to multitask and handle a variety of tasks at one time. They also need to have strong computer skills.

Police clerks typically have an associate’s degree or higher in criminal justice or a related field.

Desk officer

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for police officers in Texas is $60,610. However, salaries for police officers can vary depending on their position and experience.

For example, desk officers are typically the highest-paid police officers. Desk officers answer phones and dispatch calls. They also handle the paperwork and other administrative tasks. Desk officers usually have several years of experience and earn an average annual salary of $65,000.

Although they don’t compare with the likes of police chiefs, they are still the highest-paid police officers in Texas.

Conclusion

Overall, the fifteen highest-paid police officers in Texas make a salary of $60,000 annually.

The top earner makes almost double that amount at $100,000 annually. In comparison, the starting salary for a police officer in Texas is $41,920 per year.

There is a huge disparity between what the top earners and those just starting make. However, moving up the ranks and earning a higher salary over time is possible.

FAQ on 15 highest-paid police officers in Texas |2022

How long can one spend at the Texas Police Academy?

The academy offers a police course which usually lasts for 36 weeks. The Basic Training Academy is a physically and mentally taxing experience. Training for new police officers should begin with recruits in the best shape they can be.

After how many years of service can a police officer in Texas retire?

Pension benefits are only available to participants who have been a part of the plan for at least ten years. Members who have worked for the police or fire department for ten years will be eligible to participate. For vested members, early retirement is possible if they retire before completing 20 years of service.

In Texas, what is the retirement age for police officers?

The scheme’s standard retirement age is 60. Your immediate pension payment will be reduced to reflect that you’ll receive it for a longer period when you retire after age 55.

How much of your police pension do you have to pay in taxes?

This is on top of any income tax you may owe on your pension once it starts flowing in. You will be taxed if the value of your pension savings, including those outside the Police Pension Scheme, exceeds the annual allowance in any given year.

References

Recommendations

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like