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Verified by WI Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  3. 3

    This license is required of anyone who, on behalf of a residential mortgage loan applicant or an investor and for commission, money or other thing of value, finds a residential mortgage loan or negotiates a residential mortgage loan or commitment for a residential mortgage loan or engages in table funding.

  4. 4

    Who is required to have this license?.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System • WI Dept of Financial Institutions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $78,980 median (4% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System~WI Dept of Financial Institutions and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $78,980, Police Officers in Wisconsin earn 4% above the national median of $76,290. Wisconsin ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$78,980

Hourly estimate

$37.97
4% above national median

Difference: +$2,690

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$55,450
  • P2525th percentile$65,600
  • P50Median$78,980
  • P7575th percentile$90,420
  • P9090th percentile$93,460

State vs National Median

State: $78,980
National: $76,290

Total employment: 11,500 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#15 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
Wisconsin$78,980Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Minnesota$83,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$73,900Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Illinois$101,530Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$74,420Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Wisconsin72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan78HighBoard-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

via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System • WI Dept of Financial Institutions

201 W. Washington Ave, Suite 500, Madison, WI, 53703

Phone: 6082617578

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$74,490Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$47,710Degree requiredVaries by board
Security Guards$39,110No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$74,450Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in Wisconsin is $78,980. Salaries range from $55,450 (10th percentile) to $93,460 (90th percentile).

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

Police Officers in Wisconsin earn 4% above the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $78,980.

How many Police Officers work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 11,500 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System / WI Dept of Financial Institutions. Review agency details at http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=WI.

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

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