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Verified by MN Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in Minnesota

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Minnesota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Review:.

  3. 3

    License Renewal.

  4. 4

    License Restoration.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Public Safety • Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $83,310 median (9% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Review:.).
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Public Safety~Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $83,310, Police Officers in Minnesota earn 9% above the national median of $76,290. Minnesota ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$83,310

Hourly estimate

$40.05
9% above national median

Difference: +$7,020

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,390
  • P2525th percentile$73,600
  • P50Median$83,310
  • P7575th percentile$98,850
  • P9090th percentile$104,800

State vs National Median

State: $83,310
National: $76,290

Total employment: 8,920 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#11 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
Minnesota$83,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$78,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$73,900Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
South Dakota$60,300Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$75,530Specific course requiredNo 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
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Minnesota Department of Public Safety • Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)

1600 University Ave., Suite 200, Saint Paul, MN, 55104-3825

Phone: 6516433060

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$64,670Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$41,990Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$46,020Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$124,640Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 is the typical Police Officer salary in Minnesota?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Minnesota is $83,310. Salaries range from $60,390 (10th percentile) to $104,800 (90th percentile).

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

Police Officers in Minnesota earn 9% above the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $83,310.

How many Police Officers work in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs approximately 8,920 Police Officers according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Public Safety / Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Review agency details at https://dps.mn.gov/entity/post/Pages/default.aspx.

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

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