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Police Officer Salary in Baltimore, MD β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Baltimore's cost of living (index: 107). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Baltimore β€” Key Numbers

$77,340
Median Salary
$58,668
25th Percentile
$104,453
75th Percentile
$133,429
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median+7.0%
Baltimore median household income$71,000
vs. City household income+8.9%

Cost of Living in Baltimore

Cost of Living Index
107(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.2%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary4.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Baltimore

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
2,890,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Baltimore has a metro population of 2,890,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Baltimore, MD?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Baltimore is $77,340 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Baltimore's cost of living index (107). The typical salary range runs from $58,668 (25th percentile) to $104,453 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $133,429.

Is Baltimore affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $77,340 annual salary, a Police Officer in Baltimore would spend approximately 20.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Baltimore relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 4.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Baltimore's overall income?

Baltimore's median household income is $71,000. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $77,340 earns 8.9% more than the typical Baltimore household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.