Police Officer Career Guide: Everett, Washington

By a local analyst who knows the streets.

If you're a police officer contemplating a move to the Pacific Northwest, Everett offers a unique blend of urban challenges, suburban stability, and access to the natural beauty of the Salish Sea. As someone who has analyzed the local job market for years, I can tell you that Everett isn't just another Seattle suburb. It’s the industrial heart of Snohomish County, home to Boeing’s assembly line, a major naval base, and a community with a distinct identity. This guide provides a direct, data-driven look at what it means to build a career in law enforcement here.

We’ll cut through the noise and focus on the practicalities: your paycheck, your rent, your commute, and your long-term prospects. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s start with the most important number: your potential income. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local government postings, the salary landscape for police officers in the Everett metro area is competitive, especially when you consider the specific demands of the region.

The Median Salary for a police officer in Everett is $77,831/year. This translates to an Hourly Rate of $37.42/hour. It’s important to note that this figure typically represents a mid-career officer after completing probation. Starting salaries are lower, while senior officers and those in specialty roles can earn significantly more. The National Average for police officers is $74,910/year, meaning Everett sits slightly above the national curve—a good sign for incoming talent.

However, the job market here is niche. The Jobs in Metro count is approximately 222, which reflects the size of the force across the Everett Police Department, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and various municipal departments in the surrounding area. Job availability isn’t as vast as in a megacity like Los Angeles or Chicago, but it’s stable. The 10-Year Job Growth is projected at a modest 3%, which aligns with national trends for public safety roles. This suggests that while new openings may be competitive, the demand for qualified officers remains consistent due to retirements and natural turnover.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in law enforcement are highly structured. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Everett area:

Experience Level	Typical Years on Job	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Base)	Notes
Entry-Level	0 - 2	$65,000 - $72,000	Includes academy graduates. Pay increases annually during probation.
Mid-Level	3 - 7	$75,000 - $88,000	This is where you hit the median. Eligible for specialty assignments.
Senior Officer	8 - 15	$89,000 - $105,000+	Step increases, seniority pay, and potential for detective or FTO roles.
Expert/Specialist	15+	$105,000 - $125,000+	Includes detectives, K-9, SWAT, and command staff roles.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local agency salary schedules. Overtime, special duty pay, and rank promotions can significantly increase total compensation.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Everett’s salary is solid when stacked against other Washington cities, but context is key. The cost of living, particularly housing, will determine your real purchasing power.

• Seattle: Higher base salary (often $85,000+ starting), but the cost of living is ~40% above the national average. Rent for a 1BR can easily exceed $2,200/month.
• Spokane: Lower median salary (around $68,000), but significantly lower housing costs. You get more house for your dollar, but the job market is smaller.
• Tacoma: Similar salary to Everett, with a slightly lower cost of living. However, the job market is also competitive, with a similar metro job count.

Insider Tip: Everett’s sweet spot is its proximity to Seattle jobs (for a potential second income for a household) without the Seattle housing premium. Many officers live in Everett and commute to Seattle for higher-paying roles, but the reverse is also true—Seattle officers often live in Snohomish County for affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the essentials. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single officer earning the median salary of $77,831/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,486
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~28% (Approx. $1,816). WA has no state income tax, which is a major advantage.
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,670/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,864	The city-wide average. Can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season. Older apartments may have higher heating costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Everett is car-dependent. Insurance rates for LEOs are generally favorable.
Groceries & Household	$400
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies significantly by individual.
Retirement Savings (457b)	$500	Strongly recommended. Most agencies have good plans.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$756	This covers gas, eating out, hobbies, etc.

Total Expenses: ~$4,670

Verdict: The numbers are tight but manageable for a single officer. A $77,831 salary allows for a comfortable 1BR apartment, a reliable car, and the ability to save for retirement without living paycheck-to-paycheck. However, it leaves little room for significant error or large discretionary spending.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The median home price in Everett is approximately $550,000. Using standard financial guidelines (28% of gross income for mortgage), an officer earning $77,831 should aim for a mortgage payment of around $1,800/month.

With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a $440,000 loan at current interest rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $2,800-$3,000. This is well above the recommended $1,800.

Reality Check: A single officer at the median salary will find homeownership in Everett challenging without a significant down payment or dual income. Starting with a condo or townhouse in the $350,000-$400,000 range is more feasible. Many officers start their careers renting, build equity in a 457b, and purchase a home later, often with a spouse's income. The Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (US avg = 100) confirms that while not Seattle-level, housing costs are 13% above the national average, putting a strain on single-income budgets.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The Everett metro area, with a population of 111,147, has a concentrated employer base. For a police officer, jobs aren't just in the city police department. You have options across multiple agencies.

1. Everett Police Department (EPD): The primary force for the city itself. EPD is known for its community policing focus and handles a diverse call volume from downtown to the waterfront. They have about 160 sworn officers.
2. Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office: This is a massive employer, covering the unincorporated areas of the county, including major transit routes and rural communities. They also run the county jail. The Sheriff’s Office often has more specialized units (e.g., marine patrol, aviation) due to the county's geography.
3. Mukilteo Police Department: A small, well-funded department serving the affluent waterfront community just west of Everett. Known for low crime rates and a focus on traffic enforcement and community events.
4. Lake Stevens Police Department: Serving the growing lake community northeast of Everett. This department is expanding as the population grows, offering opportunities for new hires.
5. Washington State Patrol (WSP): Based at the Marysville post (just north of Everett), WSP troopers patrol I-5, I-405, and SR 526. The job is highway-focused but offers great benefits and a statewide network.
6. Boeing Everett Security: Not a traditional law enforcement agency, but Boeing’s massive Everett factory (largest building by volume in the world) employs a large security force. These roles often have overlapping responsibilities with local law enforcement during incidents on their property.
7. Port of Everett Police: A small, specialized force responsible for security at the port, including the naval station and commercial terminals. They offer a unique blend of maritime and industrial policing.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady but not explosive. Most agencies run continuous testing and hiring processes, but academies are filled on a set schedule. The 3% growth indicates that openings are primarily for replacement, not expansion. Networking at regional job fairs and maintaining a clean record is paramount.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington has clear, state-mandated requirements for police officers, administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC).

The Process:

1. Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA): All new officers must complete the 720-hour state academy. If you’re already a certified officer from another state, you may qualify for a "certified out-of-state" testing path, but you will still need to complete a 40-hour Washington-specific course.
2. Cost: The academy itself is free if you are hired by an agency. Your agency covers tuition, room, and board. However, you must cover your own transportation, meals, and personal gear during the academy. Budget $2,000 - $4,000 for these initial costs.
3. Prerequisites: You must be 21 by the time you graduate, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a comprehensive background check (including polygraph, psychological eval, and medical screening).
4. Timeline: From passing the initial test to starting the academy can take 6-9 months. The academy lasts approximately 16 weeks (4 months). After graduation, you have a probationary period (often 6-18 months) with your hiring agency.

Insider Tip: Even if you are a certified officer from another state, start the application process early. The out-of-state certification process can take 3-6 months for paperwork and testing. Contact the CJTC directly for the most current forms and requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Choosing where to live in Everett impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods favored by public safety professionals.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit
North Everett / Rucker Hill	Historic, walkable, close to downtown EPD. Hilly, older homes.	$1,650 - $1,900	You’re minutes from work. Great for those who want to avoid the I-5 commute. Quirky, established community.
South Everett (Airport Way)	Industrial, practical, great highway access.	$1,500 - $1,750	Affordable, with easy commutes to WSP, County Sheriff, and Seattle. Less scenic, but functional.
Mill Creek	Suburban, family-oriented, planned community.	$1,900 - $2,200	Safe, excellent schools, and a tight-knit community feel. Popular with officers raising families. Commute is 15-20 mins to Everett.
Mukilteo (Waterfront)	Affluent, stunning views, small-town feel.	$2,200 - $2,800	Higher cost, but the quality of life is exceptional. Close to the ferry to Whidbey Island. Very low crime area.
Lake Stevens	Growing, lake-focused, suburban.	$1,800 - $2,100	Good value for space. Close to nature and outdoor recreation. Commute to Everett is 20-25 mins via SR 9.

Insider Tip: If you work at the Everett PD or Snohomish County Sheriff, living in North Everett or South Everett (near I-5) is ideal for a sub-15-minute commute. If you’re at WSP or the Mukilteo PD, consider living in Mill Creek or Edmonds for a reverse commute or a similar suburban lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Everett-area law enforcement is a marathon, not a sprint. Advancement is structured and based on merit, seniority, and specialty.

• Specialty Premiums: Once off probation, you can bid for specialty assignments. These often come with a pay bump (e.g., $5,000 - $10,000 annual premium). Common specialties include:
  • Detective: Investigates major crimes.
  • SWAT / Tactical Team: Part-time, requires intense training.
  • K-9 Handler: Highly competitive and prestigious.
  • Motor Unit: Traffic enforcement and motorcycle skills.
  • Marine Patrol: (Snohomish County) Patrols Puget Sound and rivers.
• Rank Advancement: The path is typically Officer -> Sergeant -> Lieutenant -> Captain. Each promotion involves a competitive process (testing and interview) and a significant pay increase. A Sergeant can earn $100,000 - $115,000+.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 3% growth, competition for promotion will remain steady. The key to advancement here is building a reputation for reliability, strong report writing, and community engagement. Specializing in a critical area like narcotics or financial crimes can set you apart. Given the region's tech and maritime economy, officers with skills in digital forensics or maritime law will have an edge.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary with the benefit of no state income tax.	High Cost of Living, primarily driven by housing. Homeownership on a single salary is difficult.
Diverse Policing Environment—from urban core to shipyards to suburbs.	Competitive Job Market with only ~222 jobs in the metro. Requires patience and a stellar application.
Proximity to Seattle for higher salaries or cultural amenities, without the urban density.	Car Dependency is high. Public transit is improving but limited for shift work.
Stunning Natural Access—mountains, water, and forests are minutes away for off-duty recreation.	"Rain Shadow" Effect means more cloudy days and drizzle than on the Washington coast, which can affect some people's mood.

Final Recommendation:

Everett is an excellent choice for a mid-career officer seeking a balance between urban challenge and suburban stability. It’s less ideal for a brand-new recruit on a starting salary unless they have a dual income or are willing to have a tight budget. The job market is solid but not overflowing, so you need to be a standout candidate. If you value access to the outdoors, a strong sense of community, and a salary that goes further than in Seattle, Everett is a strategic and rewarding place to build your law enforcement career.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to get hired by a department in the Everett area?
Yes, it’s competitive but not impossible. The key is to score highly on the written and physical tests, have a clean background, and perform well in the oral board. Applying to multiple agencies (EPD, County, Mukilteo, etc.) increases your chances. The process is slow, so patience is required.

2. Do I need to be a Washington resident to apply?
No. Most agencies accept applications from out-of-state candidates. You will need to travel for the testing phases, but agencies often reimburse travel costs for final interviews. You must be willing to relocate by the start of the academy.

3. How does the cost of living affect new officers?
It’s the biggest challenge. A new officer earning closer to $65,000 will find the $1,864 average rent challenging. Many new hires have roommates or live in more affordable, older apartments in South Everett or Lake Stevens. Budgeting is critical from day one.

4. What’s the biggest misconception about policing in Everett?
That it’s a quiet, suburban beat. While areas like Mill Creek are low-crime, Everett itself has significant challenges related to homelessness, drug addiction, and property crime in the downtown corridor and near the transit station. The Port and Boeing facilities also present unique security challenges. It’s a varied job.

5. Can I work for Everett PD and live in Seattle?
You can, but it’s not recommended. The commute against traffic might be okay, but you’ll be paying Seattle rent on an Everett salary, which is financially counterproductive. Most officers in the area choose to live closer to their worksite to manage costs and sleep schedules.

*Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics, WA State CJTC, Snohomish