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DFW Police Salaries

Compare police officer compensation across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex

Understanding police compensation can be complex. This guide breaks down the key factors and variations you'll encounter when comparing department salaries across Texas.

Step Structures & Service Time

Salary progression varies significantly between departments:

  • No published structures: Some departments don't publicly share their step schedules
  • No step increases: Others rely on COL adjustments, market-based raises, or merit increases instead
  • Non-standard timing: Steps may not align with years of service
EXAMPLE

Plano PD has a step increase at 18 months that doesn't appear in standard tables

It's often unclear whether steps correspond directly with years (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 2) or follow different structures (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 3).

Overtime-Based Salaries

Some departments structure base pay around built-in overtime hours, which affects direct comparisons:

  • DPS Troopers: Pay based on 50-hour workweeks (not standard 40)
  • 84-hour pay periods: Some use 84-hour periods vs. standard 80 hours, with extra hours as straight time or overtime

When comparing salaries, consider whether the figure includes built-in overtime or represents straight hourly rates.

Lump Sum Payments

A few departments provide lump-sum bonuses when officers reach top-out. These are listed in tables but may not be guaranteed.

EXAMPLES

Frisco PD: Potential 4% lump sum ($107,024) based on performance and annual budget

Celina PD: 3% merit lump sum ($98,385)

Total Departments
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Average Entry Salary
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Average 20-Year Salary
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Highest 20-Year
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Select 2-10 departments to compare
Department Pay Plan Last Update Population County Sworn Officers Sign-on Bonus Entry Salary 5 Year Salary 10 Year Salary 20 Year Salary 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years 6 Years 7 Years 8 Years 9 Years 10 Years 11 Years 12 Years 13 Years 14 Years 15 Years 16 Years 17 Years 18 Years 19 Years 20 Years 20 Year Total
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Notes & Citations

1 Lump Sum at top out. Lump sums may be based on performance or other factors.
2 Expanded Enforcement Program - Based on overtime with 50 hour work weeks - DPS Trooper
3 Public Safety Apprentice - Based on 3,250 hours a year - Highland Park DPS

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