How to Become a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Texas
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Texas earn a median salary of $76,350/year, which is 0% above the national average. Texas has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a police and sheriff's patrol officers takes home approximately $3,763/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a police and sheriff's patrol officers can afford in Texas
Becoming a police and sheriff's patrol officers in Texas
Meet education requirements
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions in Texas typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Texas. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves moderate-term on-the-job training in Texas. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Texas licensure or certification
Texas may require specific licensing or professional certification for police and sheriff's patrol officerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Texas Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Texas
Texas employs 62,230 police and sheriff's patrol officers. The highest concentrations are in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary by metro area in Texas
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $91K | $43.97/hr | 16,120 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | $84K | $40.3/hr | 4,280 |
| Midland | $81K | $38.87/hr | 350 |
| Laredo | $81K | $38.84/hr | 770 |
| Amarillo | $80K | $38.38/hr | 670 |
| Killeen-Temple | $78K | $37.32/hr | 880 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $78K | $37.3/hr | 920 |
| El Paso | $77K | $37.16/hr | 1,700 |
| Abilene | $77K | $37.01/hr | 400 |
| Waco | $77K | $36.9/hr | 720 |
| College Station-Bryan | $77K | $36.9/hr | 530 |
| Tyler | $77K | $36.87/hr | 500 |
| Lubbock | $76K | $36.66/hr | 750 |
| Sherman-Denison | $76K | $36.33/hr | 260 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | $75K | $36.28/hr | 15,910 |
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary range in Texas
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a police and sheriff's patrol officers make in Texas?▼
The median police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in Texas is $76,350 per year ($36.71/hr). This is 0% above the national median of $76,290. Salaries range from $51,590 to $99,450.
What are the requirements to become a police and sheriff's patrol officers in Texas?▼
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions in Texas typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Texas may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Texas licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a police and sheriff's patrol officers afford to live in Texas?▼
At the median salary of $76,350, a police and sheriff's patrol officers in Texas would take home approximately $5,175/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 27.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Texas?▼
The highest paying metro areas for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Texas are Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ($91,470), Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos ($83,820), Midland ($80,850). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Texas have state income tax for police and sheriff's patrol officers?▼
No, Texas does not have a state income tax. This means police and sheriff's patrol officers keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.