The United States Capitol Police (USCP) are in charge of protecting the United States Congress and its legislative process. They provide security for the Capitol Complex which includes the United States Capitol, the House and Senate office buildings, the Library of Congress buildings, the Supreme Court building, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and other nearby locations. The USCP play a vital role in protecting our government leaders and democratic institutions.
USCP Officer Salaries
The salaries for USCP officers vary based on rank and time served. Here is a breakdown of the annual base salary ranges:
- Private: $55,215 – $68,809
- Private First Class: $64,290 – $79,829
- Corporal: $76,721 – $95,286
- Sergeant: $89,054 – $110,667
- Lieutenant: $104,359 – $129,747
- Captain: $120,755 – $150,141
- Inspector: $137,483 – $171,026
- Deputy Chief: $156,780 – $194,899
- Assistant Chief: $179,700 – $223,545
- Chief: $187,000 – $232,500
As shown, the starting base salary for a USCP officer begins at around $55,000 as a Private. With promotions and time served, salaries can eventually reach up to $232,500 annually as the Chief.
Additional Compensation
In addition to base salaries, USCP officers receive additional compensation in various forms:
- Overtime pay – Officers are paid time-and-a-half for any approved overtime hours worked.
- Night pay differential – An extra 10% is added to base pay for regularly scheduled night hours.
- Sunday premium pay – An extra 25% is added to base pay for hours worked on Sundays.
- Holiday pay – Double time-and-a-half is paid for hours worked on holidays.
- Specialized assignment pay – Additional compensation for assignments like K9 handler, SWAT, Honor Guard, etc.
- Tuition assistance – Up to $4,000 annually for approved educational expenses.
- Bilingual pay – Up to 5% added to base pay for fluency in a foreign language.
With all the opportunities for overtime, night, weekend, and holiday pay, many USCP officers can significantly exceed their base salaries.
Benefits
USCP officers also receive an excellent benefits package including:
- Health insurance – Choice of several comprehensive federal health plans with premiums partially subsidized.
- Dental & vision – Full family coverage options available.
- Life insurance – Basic coverage plus additional options.
- Long-term care – Help covering assisted living, nursing home care, home health aides, etc.
- Flexible spending accounts – For eligible health and dependent care expenses.
- Federal Employees Retirement System – Pension plan with federal matching contributions.
- Thrift Savings Plan – Tax-deferred retirement savings account with matching.
- Paid vacation & sick leave – Up to 26 vacation days per year plus 13 sick days.
- Paid holidays – Eleven scheduled federal holidays per year.
The federal benefits package provides USCP officers and their families with health insurance, income security, and work-life balance.
Retirement Benefits
One of the most valuable benefits for USCP officers is the retirement package. Officers are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) which includes three components:
- FERS Basic Benefit Pension – After 20 years of service, this pension provides 1.7% of high-3 average salary per year served. At age 50, avg salary is $100K, 30 years service = $51K/year.
- Social Security – Officers pay into and collect Social Security benefits after retirement like other workers.
- Thrift Savings Plan – The federal government matches contributions up to 5% of salary. These tax-deferred savings can be withdrawn starting at age 59 1⁄2.
With full FERS benefits and Social Security, officers can retire with an income equal to about 70-80% of their pre-retirement earnings. And with 30 years service, officers can retire as young as age 50 with full benefits.
Job Security & Growth
Being a federal law enforcement agency, the USCP offers officers a high level of job security. The USCP also provides many opportunities for career advancement and salary growth through promotions and special assignments. The ability to retire with full benefits after 30 years allows officers to start second careers if desired.
Conclusion
United States Capitol Police officers are very well compensated for protecting Congress, its members, and visitors to Capitol Hill. Officers enjoy strong job security, opportunities for career growth, and excellent benefits. Starting salaries of around $55,000 can reach up to $232,500 for the Chief. With overtime and other pays, total compensation can exceed base salaries by thousands per year. And with the FERS retirement plan, officers can retire as early as age 50 with an income about 70-80% of their active duty earnings.
