Capitol Police Officers are tasked with protecting the United States Capitol, its personnel, visitors, and lawmakers. They maintain safety, respond to emergencies, enforce federal laws on Capitol grounds, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies.
In 2025, the US government adjusted salaries for Capitol Police Officers to reflect cost-of-living differences, hazard pay, and retention incentives, especially given the growing security demands on Capitol premises. These updates ensure officers are competitively compensated among federal law enforcement agencies.
This article provides a complete guide to Capitol Police Officer monthly salaries, including grade-level pay, location adjustments, benefits, overtime, career progression, and frequently asked questions.
Capitol Police Officer Salary Overview (2025)
Capitol Police Officer pay depends on:
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Federal pay grade under the General Schedule (GS) system
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Duty location and locality pay
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Years of experience and step increases
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Overtime and hazard pay
Summary Table: Capitol Police Officer Monthly Salary (2025)
| Grade Level | Base Monthly Salary (USD) | Locality Pay (%) | Estimated Total Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 Entry | $3,800 – $4,600 | 20–35% | $4,560 – $6,210 |
| GS-6 Mid-Level | $4,200 – $5,100 | 20–35% | $5,040 – $6,885 |
| GS-7 Experienced | $4,700 – $5,800 | 20–35% | $5,640 – $7,830 |
| GS-8 Senior | $5,200 – $6,500 | 20–35% | $6,240 – $8,775 |
| GS-9 Supervisor | $5,800 – $7,000 | 20–35% | $6,960 – $9,450 |
Figures reflect 2025 projections based on federal base pay plus locality adjustments.
How the Capitol Police Officer Salary Structure Works (2025)
1. Federal Pay Grade System
Capitol Police Officers are classified under the GS pay system, typically starting at GS-5 for new officers.
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Step Increases: Officers receive incremental raises based on experience, annual performance, and years of service.
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Higher Grades: Officers in specialized or supervisory roles can advance to GS-8 or GS-9, with significantly higher salaries.
2. Locality Pay Adjustments
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Pay differs by region due to cost-of-living variations.
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Officers in Washington, D.C. benefit from some of the highest locality adjustments (up to 35%).
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Locality pay ensures salaries remain competitive with other federal law enforcement agencies in metropolitan areas.
3. Overtime and Shift Differentials
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Capitol Police Officers work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays.
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Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate, often increasing total monthly income significantly.
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Night and weekend shifts carry differential pay.
4. Hazard Pay
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Officers may receive hazard pay during high-risk assignments, emergency response, or special events with increased threat levels.
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Typically, hazard pay adds 10–25% of base monthly pay.
5. Promotions and Career Advancement
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Career paths include Senior Officer, Field Training Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.
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Supervisors manage teams, coordinate emergency response, and liaise with federal law enforcement agencies.
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Specialized roles in cybersecurity, intelligence, or high-risk tactical operations offer higher pay and advancement opportunities.
Capitol Police Officer Salary by Grade and Experience (2025)
| Grade Level | Experience | Base Monthly Pay | Total with Locality Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | 0–2 Years | $3,800 – $4,100 | $4,560 – $5,535 |
| GS-5 | 3–4 Years | $4,100 – $4,600 | $4,920 – $6,210 |
| GS-6 | 0–2 Years | $4,200 – $4,500 | $5,040 – $6,075 |
| GS-6 | 3–4 Years | $4,500 – $5,100 | $5,400 – $6,885 |
| GS-7 | 0–2 Years | $4,700 – $5,200 | $5,640 – $7,020 |
| GS-7 | 3–4 Years | $5,200 – $5,800 | $6,240 – $7,830 |
| GS-8 | 0–2 Years | $5,200 – $5,800 | $6,240 – $7,830 |
| GS-8 | 3–5 Years | $5,800 – $6,500 | $6,960 – $8,775 |
| GS-9 Supervisor | 5+ Years | $5,800 – $7,000 | $6,960 – $9,450 |
Capitol Police Officer Salary by Location (2025)
Washington, D.C. — Headquarters and Primary Duty Station
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Base Salary: $4,200 – $6,500
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Locality Pay: 35%
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Total Monthly Pay: $5,670 – $8,775
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Notes: Highest pay due to cost-of-living and federal locality adjustments.
High-Cost Nearby Areas
| City | Base Salary | Locality Pay | Total Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA | $4,000 – $6,000 | 30% | $5,200 – $7,800 |
| Bethesda, MD | $3,900 – $5,900 | 28% | $4,992 – $7,552 |
Other Federal Duty Locations
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Base pay ranges $3,800 – $5,500 depending on grade
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Locality pay ranges 20–30%
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Total monthly pay: $4,560 – $7,150
Benefits and Allowances (2025)
Key Benefits
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Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision under FEHB
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Retirement: FERS pension with Social Security and TSP contributions
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Life Insurance: FEGLI coverage
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Paid Leave: 13–26 days annual leave plus 13 sick days
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Holidays: 11 federal holidays
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Training: Access to federal law enforcement certifications and specialized training
Key Allowances
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Overtime Pay: For extended shifts and holiday work
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Shift Differential: Night and weekend shifts
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Hazard Pay: For high-risk or emergency assignments
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Travel Per Diem: For temporary duty or assignments outside primary location
Comparison with Other Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
| Position | Average Monthly Pay | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Police Officer | $4,500 – $8,775 | Strong benefits, competitive D.C. pay, federal grade steps |
| US Secret Service Uniformed Division | $4,500 – $9,500 | Higher risk, specialized training, federal benefits |
| Federal Protective Service Officer | $3,900 – $6,800 | Comparable duties, fewer high-profile responsibilities |
| TSA Officer | $3,500 – $5,500 | Federal benefits, airport-focused duties, lower pay |
Factors Influencing Capitol Police Officer Salary (2025)
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Federal Grade Level (GS Step)
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Years of Experience and Step Increases
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Duty Location and Locality Adjustments
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Shift Type, Overtime, and Night Differential
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Special Assignments and Hazard Pay
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Recruitment and Retention Bonuses
Career Progression
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Entry-Level Officer: Patrols, monitors security, responds to incidents
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Senior Officer: Mentors junior officers, coordinates shifts, manages incidents
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Field Training Officer: Trains recruits and ensures adherence to security protocols
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Sergeant / Supervisor: Oversees teams, manages schedules, liaises with law enforcement
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Specialized Roles: Tactical response units, cyber-security, intelligence, K9 units
FAQs — Capitol Police Officer Salary (2025)
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What is the starting monthly salary?
$3,800 – $4,200 depending on grade and locality. -
Does locality pay apply?
Yes, ranging from 20–35% based on D.C. metropolitan area. -
Are overtime and hazard pay included?
Overtime and hazard pay are separate from base salary and can add 10–25%. -
Do officers get benefits?
Yes, including health, retirement, paid leave, and federal training. -
Can officers transfer to other federal locations?
Yes, subject to vacancy and approval. -
Are promotions based on experience?
Promotions consider experience, performance, and training completion. -
Is night or weekend work required?
Yes, rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays are standard. -
Do officers receive pensions?
Yes, through FERS, including Social Security and TSP contributions. -
How long to reach supervisory positions?
Typically 5–10 years depending on performance. -
Is training provided?
Yes, all officers undergo federal law enforcement and emergency response training.
Conclusion
In 2025, Capitol Police Officers receive competitive monthly salaries, locality pay adjustments, overtime, and hazard pay, combined with comprehensive federal benefits. The position offers career growth opportunities, stability, and nationwide recognition for officers committed to protecting the United States Capitol, lawmakers, and visitors.
With a mix of stable pay, strong benefits, and specialized law enforcement duties, this role is one of the most respected federal security careers in the United States.