Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$86,350 median (13% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#10 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to PA Department of Labor & Industry~Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division~Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $86,350, Police Officers in Pennsylvania earn 13% above the national median of $76,290. Pennsylvania ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$86,350Hourly estimate
$41.5113% above national median
Difference: +$10,060
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#10 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $86,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New York | $93,050 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $89,030 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $83,230 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $77,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $54,570 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $77,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division
Room 1623; L & I Building, Harrisburg, PA, 17120
Phone: 7177723396
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $63,540 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $71,430 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $37,680 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Pennsylvania is $86,350. Salaries range from $50,070 (10th percentile) to $112,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Pennsylvania earn 13% above the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $86,350.
How many Police Officers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 24,280 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is PA Department of Labor & Industry / Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division / Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division. Review agency details at https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/Certified-Code-Officials.aspx.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.