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Discover Comprehensive Police and Fire Salary Information

This website was created to help police officers and firefighters compare pay across departments throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) area.


Why This Matters:


Many departments either don’t make salary information easily available—or don’t publish it at all. We’re working to change that by keeping this site as accurate and up to date as possible.


Help Keep It Accurate:


If you spot outdated or incorrect information, please use the form on the site to submit corrections. If your department isn’t listed yet, send us the details and we’ll get it added.


Stay in the Loop:


Follow both the DFW Police Salaries and DFW Fire Salaries Facebook pages for the latest updates and new department listings.


Best Viewed on Desktop:


For the best experience, especially when using the full salary comparison tables, we recommend viewing the site on a computer.

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Compare Police Salaries

Understanding police compensation can be complex. This guide breaks down the key factors and variations you'll encounter when comparing department salaries across Texas.

Step Structures & Service Time

Salary progression varies significantly between departments:

  • No published structures: Some departments don't publicly share their step schedules
  • No step increases: Others rely on COL adjustments, market-based raises, or merit increases instead
  • Non-standard timing: Steps may not align with years of service
EXAMPLE

Plano PD has a step increase at 18 months that doesn't appear in standard tables

It's often unclear whether steps correspond directly with years (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 2) or follow different structures (Step 1 = Year 1, Step 2 = Year 3).

Overtime-Based Salaries

Some departments structure base pay around built-in overtime hours, which affects direct comparisons:

  • DPS Troopers: Pay based on 50-hour workweeks (not standard 40)
  • 84-hour pay periods: Some use 84-hour periods vs. standard 80 hours, with extra hours as straight time or overtime

When comparing salaries, consider whether the figure includes built-in overtime or represents straight hourly rates.

Lump Sum Payments

A few departments provide lump-sum bonuses when officers reach top-out. These are listed in tables but may not be guaranteed.

EXAMPLES

Frisco PD: Potential 4% lump sum ($107,024) based on performance and annual budget

Celina PD: 3% merit lump sum ($98,385)