Public Safety Officer Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Public Safety Officer make?

The average salary for a Public Safety Officer is $43,222 per year in the US.

Public Safety Officers play a crucial role in keeping communities safe. Their salaries vary based on experience and location. Entry-level officers can expect to earn around $29,800 per year. As they gain experience, their salaries increase. For example, officers with five years of experience can earn about $43,436 annually. Those with ten years or more can make up to $79,800 per year.

Several factors influence these salaries. These include the size of the community, the cost of living, and the specific duties of the job. Urban areas often offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living. Additionally, officers with specialized training or certifications may earn more. For instance, those trained in emergency response or cybersecurity can command higher pay.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Public Safety Officer?

Public Safety Officers can find some of the best pay in Pueblo, CO, where the average salary reaches $80,445. Salem, OR, and Green Bay, WI, also offer competitive salaries, with averages around $61,640 and $60,889, respectively. These cities provide attractive opportunities for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Public Safety Officer jobs, highlighting Pueblo, CO with the highest at $80,445 and Phoenix, AZ with the lowest at $49,411.
  1. Pueblo, CO
    Average Salary: $80,445
    In Pueblo, CO, you'll find a community that values safety and security. Working here means you'll be part of a dedicated team ensuring the well-being of residents. The city's commitment to public safety makes it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Pueblo, CO


  2. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $61,640
    Salem, OR, offers a peaceful environment with a strong focus on public safety. Here, you'll be a key player in maintaining order and protecting the community. The city's dedication to safety and its vibrant culture make it an excellent place to build a career.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Salem, OR


  3. Green Bay, WI
    Average Salary: $60,889
    Green Bay, WI, is known for its strong sense of community and commitment to safety. Working here means you'll be part of a team that values public service. The city's supportive environment and friendly residents make it a great place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Green Bay, WI


  4. Albany, NY
    Average Salary: $53,077
    In Albany, NY, you'll be part of a dynamic team focused on public safety. The city's rich history and diverse community offer a unique backdrop for your work. Albany's commitment to safety and its vibrant culture make it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Albany, NY


  5. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $52,862
    San Francisco, CA, offers a vibrant and diverse environment for public safety professionals. Working here means you'll be part of a team that values innovation and community. The city's commitment to safety and its dynamic culture make it an exciting place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  6. Peoria, IL
    Average Salary: $52,780
    Peoria, IL, provides a supportive community where public safety is a top priority. Working here means you'll be part of a team dedicated to protecting and serving the community. The city's friendly atmosphere and commitment to safety make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Peoria, IL


  7. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $50,525
    Buffalo, NY, offers a strong sense of community and a commitment to public safety. Working here means you'll be part of a team that values service and protection. The city's dedication to safety and its vibrant culture make it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Buffalo, NY


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $50,480
    Seattle, WA, is known for its vibrant community and strong focus on public safety. Working here means you'll be part of a team dedicated to protecting and serving the city. The city's commitment to safety and its dynamic environment make it an exciting place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $49,796
    Indianapolis, IN, offers a supportive community with a strong emphasis on public safety. Working here means you'll be part of a team dedicated to protecting and serving the city. The city's commitment to safety and its welcoming atmosphere make it a great place to build a career.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  10. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $49,411
    Phoenix, AZ, provides a vibrant environment with a strong focus on public safety. Working here means you'll be part of a dedicated team ensuring the well-being of residents. The city's commitment to safety and its dynamic culture make it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Public Safety Officer jobs in Phoenix, AZ

What are the best companies a Public Safety Officer can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Public Safety Officer positions should consider the California Highway Patrol, City of Pueblo, and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. These employers offer competitive salaries, with the California Highway Patrol leading at $148,875. The City of Pueblo and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation also provide attractive compensation packages. Other notable employers include the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the New York State Police, both offering salaries above $60,000. These positions provide a chance for job seekers to secure a stable and rewarding career in public safety.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Public Safety Officer jobs, highlighting California Highway Patrol with the highest at $148,875 and State of Georgia with the lowest at $55,455.
  1. California Highway Patrol
    Average Salary: $148,875
    The California Highway Patrol offers rewarding Public Safety Officer jobs. They protect California's highways and serve in various locations across the state. Their officers work to ensure safety and enforce traffic laws.


  2. City of Pueblo
    Average Salary: $82,452
    The City of Pueblo provides Public Safety Officer positions with a competitive salary. Officers work in Pueblo, Colorado, to maintain peace and safety. They respond to emergencies, enforce laws, and support the community.


  3. NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    Average Salary: $76,509
    The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation offers Public Safety Officer jobs with a focus on protecting parks and historic sites. Officers work in various locations across New York State, ensuring the safety and preservation of these areas.


  4. Arizona Department Of Public Safety
    Average Salary: $74,499
    The Arizona Department Of Public Safety hires Public Safety Officers to serve the state. Officers work in different parts of Arizona, focusing on highway safety, criminal investigations, and emergency response.


  5. City of Aurora, CO
    Average Salary: $69,437
    The City of Aurora, Colorado, offers Public Safety Officer jobs with a focus on community safety. Officers work in Aurora, responding to emergencies, enforcing laws, and supporting the community to maintain peace and order.


  6. New York State Police
    Average Salary: $64,346
    The New York State Police provides Public Safety Officer positions with a strong commitment to service. Officers work across New York State, focusing on law enforcement, traffic safety, and emergency response.


  7. Town of Pecos City
    Average Salary: $63,853
    The Town of Pecos City offers Public Safety Officer jobs with a focus on community safety. Officers work in Pecos, New Mexico, to maintain peace, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies.


  8. State of Connecticut
    Average Salary: $58,103
    The State of Connecticut provides Public Safety Officer positions with a focus on statewide safety. Officers work in various locations across Connecticut, ensuring the safety and security of the state's residents.


  9. Montana Department of Justice
    Average Salary: $57,003
    The Montana Department of Justice offers Public Safety Officer jobs with a focus on statewide law enforcement. Officers work in different parts of Montana, focusing on criminal investigations, traffic safety, and emergency response.


  10. State of Georgia
    Average Salary: $55,455
    The State of Georgia provides Public Safety Officer positions with a focus on statewide safety. Officers work in various locations across Georgia, ensuring the safety and security of the state's residents.

How to earn more as a Public Safety Officer?

Public Safety Officers have the important role of protecting and serving their communities. They can increase their earnings through various means. Gaining more experience, education, and certifications can lead to higher pay. Officers can also look for promotions within their departments. Working in high-demand areas or taking on specialized roles can also boost income.

Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a Public Safety Officer:

  1. Education and Training: Higher levels of education and specialized training can lead to higher pay. Degrees in criminal justice or related fields can open more job opportunities. Certifications in areas like emergency medical services or tactical operations can also increase earnings.
  2. Experience: More years of service often lead to higher pay. Officers with more experience can qualify for higher positions and responsibilities. Experience in different areas of public safety can also make an officer more valuable.
  3. Promotions: Moving up the ranks can significantly increase income. Officers can aim for promotions to positions like sergeant, lieutenant, or captain. These roles come with higher pay and more responsibilities.
  4. Specialized Roles: Taking on specialized roles can lead to higher pay. Roles like SWAT team member, K-9 handler, or traffic enforcement officer often come with higher salaries. These roles require additional training and skills.
  5. Location: Working in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Urban areas with higher crime rates or larger populations often offer higher salaries. Rural areas may offer lower pay but can provide other benefits like a lower cost of living.

Currently 700 Public Safety Officer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Public Safety Officer in the US?

Learn what a Public Safety Officer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Public Safety Officer today.
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Public Safety Officer
700 Job Openings