Updated 2026-10-02 · 3 of 431 Kentucky agencies publish starting pay

Highest paying police departments in Kentucky

Police officer salary in Kentucky by department, ranked by the starting pay each one states in a current posting. Median starting pay is $48,194, about $23.17/hr or $4,016/mo, below the national median of $70,081. 3 of these departments are hiring right now.

Median starting pay

$48,194

▼ 31% vs national $70,081

Highest starting pay

$60,008

Louisville Metro PD

Lowest on file

$47,927

Hopkinsville PD

Median top-step pay

$75,587

3 departments publish a top step

Every Kentucky department by starting pay

Highest first

Starting pay is the lowest advertised full-time figure for a sworn officer in each department's current posting, annualized. Top pay and lateral start appear where the posting states them. Click a department for the quoted source line and verification date.
Department	Area	Starting pay	Top pay	Lateral start	Status
1. Louisville Metro PD	Louisville Area	$60,008	$75,587	—	Hiring · 3
2. Owensboro PD	Owensboro Area	$48,194	$79,458	—	Hiring · 3
3. Hopkinsville PD	Clarksville Area	$47,927	$71,344	—	Hiring · 2

Hiring bonuses in Kentucky

All Kentucky bonuses

Owensboro PDLaterals$25,000

Police jobs in Kentucky (8)Lateral police jobs in Kentucky Kentucky departments that don't require college (3)All Kentucky departments Starting pay by state

Highest paying police departments in Kentucky

Every Kentucky department by starting pay

Hiring bonuses in Kentucky

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