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Highest-paying police departments in Tennessee for laterals (2026)

All 5 Tennessee agencies we track that post a salary, ranked by the top of their annual pay range. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department leads at $102,871; the median top-of-range here is $77,964. Hourly and monthly rates are converted to annual (×2,080, ×12), and hiring bonuses are shown separately, not added to pay.

Last verified: 2026-10-18. Every row links to the agency's official posting or announcement; blank fields mean the source did not state the value. Bonuses are usually paid in installments with a service commitment, so confirm with the agency before applying.

#AgencyStateLateral bonusPay (annual)Out-of-stateClosesSource
1Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Nashville · County agency
TNNone listed$81,114 - $102,871YesContinuousOfficial source
2Knoxville Police Department
Knoxville · Municipal police
TNNone listed$59,554 - $89,252
police officer salary; lateral pay based on prior service
UnknownUnknownOfficial source
3Metro Nashville Park Police
Nashville · County agency
TNNone listed$77,964UnknownUnknownOfficial source
4Springfield Police Department
Springfield · Municipal police
TNNone listed$52,229 - $71,947
converted from $25.11 - $34.59 Hourly
Unknown2026-12-31Official source
5Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Chattanooga · Sheriff's office
TN$5,000$63,240
starting salary
YesUnknownOfficial source

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