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Compare Police Salaries Across Texas Departments

Understanding police compensation can be complex. This guide breaks down the key factors and variations you'll encounter when comparing department salaries across Texas.

Step Structures & Service Time

Salary progression varies significantly between departments:

  • No published structures: Some departments don't publicly share their step schedules
  • No step increases: Others rely on COL adjustments, market-based raises, or merit increases instead
  • Non-standard timing: Steps may not align with years of service
EXAMPLE

Plano PD has a step increase at 18 months that doesn't appear in standard tables

It's often unclear whether steps correspond directly with years (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 2) or follow different structures (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 3).

Overtime-Based Salaries

Some departments structure base pay around built-in overtime hours, which affects direct comparisons:

  • DPS Troopers: Pay based on 50-hour workweeks (not standard 40)
  • 84-hour pay periods: Some use 84-hour periods vs. standard 80 hours, with extra hours as straight time or overtime

When comparing salaries, consider whether the figure includes built-in overtime or represents straight hourly rates.

Lump Sum Payments

A few departments provide lump-sum bonuses when officers reach top-out. These are listed in tables but may not be guaranteed.

EXAMPLES

Frisco PD: Potential 4% lump sum ($107,024) based on performance and annual budget

Celina PD: 3% merit lump sum ($98,385)

Total Departments
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Average Entry Salary
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Average 20-Year Salary
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Highest 20-Year
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Select 2-10 departments to compare
Department Pay Plan Population County Sworn Officers Sign-on Bonus Entry Salary 5 Year Salary 10 Year Salary 20 Year Salary 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years 18 Years 19 Years 20 Years 20 Year Total

Notes & Citations

1 Lump Sum at top out. Lump sums may be based on performance or other factors.
2 Expanded Enforcement Program - Based on overtime with 50 hour work weeks - DPS Trooper
3 Public Safety Apprentice - Based on 3,250 hours a year - Highland Park DPS
4 This department's pay plan is based on TCOLE certification level. Click to view pay by tier.