Police Officer Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate a police officer's 2026 take-home pay, including overtime and pension effects.
Tax breakdown on $74,000
Approximate 2026 U.S. median for police and sheriff's patrol officers (BLS OES). Federal only — add your state income tax with the calculators below. Excludes credits, other income, and (for 1099) business deductions and the QBI deduction.
Take-home at different police officer salaries
| Gross | Federal income tax | FICA | Annual take-home | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52,000 | $4,060 | $3,978 | $43,962 | $3,664 |
| $63,000 | $5,380 | $4,820 | $52,801 | $4,400 |
| $74,000 | $7,450 | $5,661 | $60,889 | $5,074 |
| $85,000 | $9,870 | $6,503 | $68,628 | $5,719 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $79,180 | $6,598 |
How police officer taxes work
Police officers are W-2 employees, usually with a defined-benefit pension and significant overtime and court-time pay. Overtime can lift total compensation well above base salary and into a higher marginal bracket.
The OBBBA overtime deduction can shelter the overtime premium from federal income tax. Pension contributions are often pre-tax, and some agencies offer 457(b) deferred-comp plans that further reduce taxable income.
Tax notes for police officers
- Overtime and court-time premium may qualify for the OBBBA overtime deduction.
- Pension contributions are commonly pre-tax, lowering current taxable income.
- 457(b) deferred compensation reduces taxable income and has flexible withdrawal rules.
- Off-duty/security side work is often 1099 — set aside tax and report it.
OBBBA overtime deduction — is your overtime premium tax-free?
If you work FLSA overtime, the premium 'half' of your time-and-a-half can be deducted from federal income tax — up to $12,500 (single) / $25,000 (married filing jointly) for 2026. Only the premium counts, not your whole overtime check. Use the tools below to find your qualifying amount and your after-phase-out deduction.
Police Officer tax FAQs
How much does a police officer take home after taxes in 2026?
A single police officer earning about $74,000 takes home roughly $60,889 a year (about $5,074 per month) after federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare — an effective federal rate of about 17.72%. This is before any state income tax and before 401(k)/HSA contributions.
How much does a police officer take home after taxes?
A single officer earning about $74,000 in base pay keeps roughly the amount shown above after federal income tax and FICA, before state tax and pension contributions. Overtime raises gross pay and can raise the marginal rate.
Is police overtime taxed differently in 2026?
Overtime is taxed at your marginal rate, but the OBBBA overtime deduction can exempt the FLSA premium portion from federal income tax for 2025–2026, lowering the tax on those extra hours.
Are police pension contributions pre-tax?
In most departments, mandatory pension contributions are pre-tax, reducing current taxable income, with benefits taxed in retirement. Treatment varies by plan and state.