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Police Officer Salary in Bethesda, MD

How much does a police officer make in Bethesda? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bethesda's cost of living.

Median Salary
$125,978
per year in Bethesda
Entry Level
$77,809
Starting salary
Senior Level
$175,997
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
148
48% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how police officer salaries break down across different pay periods in Bethesda.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$77,809$125,978$175,997
Monthly$6,484$10,498$14,666
Biweekly$2,993$4,845$6,769
Weekly$1,496$2,423$3,385
Hourly$37$61$85

Bethesda vs National Average

How Bethesda's police officer salaries compare to national figures.

Bethesda Salary
$125,978
COL Index: 148
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$49,978
Higher in Bethesda

Cost of Living in Bethesda

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$142,234
per year
Population
68,270
residents
Rent % of Income
18.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 148 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bethesda have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Police Officer

Overview

Protect public safety and enforce laws.

Education

High school diploma; police academy training required

Key Skills

Law EnforcementCrisis ManagementCommunicationPhysical Fitness

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Police Officer Salary

See Police Officer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,790
-16%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
-8%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
-14%
Houston, TX
$75,450
-40%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Police Officer Salary in Bethesda, MD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in Bethesda, MD is $125,978 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 148. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bethesda's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in Bethesda can expect to earn around $77,809 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $175,997 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bethesda's cost of living index of 148 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Bethesda are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a police officer's salary in Bethesda typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 21.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Police Officers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Bethesda, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.