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Verified by LA Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in Louisiana

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Louisiana, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Louisiana

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections • Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $50,580 median (34% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Louisiana eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections~Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Louisiana

With a median salary of $50,580, Police Officers in Louisiana earn 34% below the national median of $76,290. Louisiana ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,176

Median annual salary

$50,580

Hourly estimate

$24.32
34% below national median

Difference: -$25,710

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,170
  • P2525th percentile$43,080
  • P50Median$50,580
  • P7575th percentile$62,130
  • P9090th percentile$73,270

State vs National Median

State: $50,580
National: $76,290

Total employment: 14,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#48 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$115,400
#2Washington$102,640
#3Illinois$101,530
#4Alaska$100,300
#5Colorado$96,100

Nearby States Comparison

Police Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Louisiana$50,580Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$48,090Specific course requiredState exam required1-21 years
Mississippi$45,610Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$76,350Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Louisiana54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections • Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners

15703 Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge, LA, 70816

Phone: 2252722310

Related Careers in Louisiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$41,820Specific course requiredVaries by board
Firefighter$33,700Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$31,660Specific course requiredVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course required6 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Louisiana?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Police Officers in Louisiana?

Louisiana lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.

What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Louisiana?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in Louisiana.

What is the typical Police Officer salary in Louisiana?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Louisiana is $50,580. Salaries range from $35,170 (10th percentile) to $73,270 (90th percentile).

How does the Police Officer salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?

Police Officers in Louisiana earn 34% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $50,580.

How many Police Officers work in Louisiana?

Louisiana employs approximately 14,340 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Louisiana from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Louisiana?

The licensing agency is Louisiana Department of Public safety & Corrections / Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Louisiana?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.