How does a Police Officer's salary in Houston compare to the rest of Texas?

Houston's cost of living index is 101 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $73,003 earns $5,203 more than the median household income in Houston ($67,800).

Police Officer Salary in Houston, TX — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Houston's cost of living (index: 101). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Houston — Key Numbers

$73,003

Median Salary

$55,378

25th Percentile

$98,596

75th Percentile

$125,947

90th Percentile

National median (Police Officer)$72,280

vs. National median+1.0%

Houston median household income$67,800

vs. City household income+7.7%

Cost of Living in Houston

Cost of Living Index

101(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,262/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio20.7%

Annual rent cost$15,144

Median Home Price$320,000

Home Price / Salary4.4×

20% Down Payment$64,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.4 yrs

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

Job Market in Houston

4.2%

Unemployment Rate

7,470,000

Metro Population

29 min

Avg Commute

34.5

Median Age

Houston has a metro population of 7,470,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for Houston

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Cost of Living — Houston

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Police Officer Salary in Texas

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Houston

Physician$231,593 Chief Executive Officer$212,100 Dentist$177,265 IT Manager$171,205 Marketing Manager$159,196 Lawyer$147,218

Police Officer Salary — Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX$75,894 San Antonio, TX$66,498 Austin, TX$87,459 Fort Worth, TX$71,557 El Paso, TX$60,715

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Houston, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Houston is $73,003 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Houston's cost of living index (101). The typical salary range runs from $55,378 (25th percentile) to $98,596 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $125,947.

Is Houston affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $73,003 annual salary, a Police Officer in Houston would spend approximately 20.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,262/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Houston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 4.4× the annual salary.

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

Houston's median household income is $67,800. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $73,003 earns 7.7% more than the typical Houston household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Police Officer — National Police Officer in Texas All Salary Guides

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.