LEWES, DE - The City of Lewes has upgraded the starting salary for new police officer recruits, putting the city as one of the top paying communities for police on Delmarva.
As of October 14th, 2024, the starting salary for new officers is $75,000, according to City and Police officials. The increase is funded through unspent money in the current fiscal year, according to a Lewes press release. Current police staff will also see a salary increase.
Lewes officials say the upgrade was made to recognize Lewes police officers’ efforts as well as to enhance public safety within the city.
“I want to thank each of the officers for their continued service to the department and their commitment to stand on the line to serve and protect Lewes,” said Lewes Police Chief Spell.
In April 2024, Lewes advertised a starting salary of $63,046 upon police academy graduation, per recruiting posts.
On Delmarva, Lewes PD’s new starting salary now ranks among the highest paying local police departments. According to various police and town websites, starting salaries for police recruits are as follows:
-Lewes, DE - $75,000
-Dover, DE - $70,000
-Bethany Beach, DE - $63,559
-Laurel, DE - Non-certified, $62,000. Certified, $69,100-$79,373
-South Bethany, DE - Non-certified, $62,000, $64,000 after field training. Certified officers up to $76,000.
-Ocean Pines, MD - $61,000. After field training, $63,500
-Rehoboth Beach, DE - $60,008
-Berlin - Certified (2 years experience) $59, 696. Without experience, $52,270
-Chincoteague, VA - Certified, $59,500
-Ocean City, MD - $56,259
-Cambridge, MD - $56,000
-Delmar, MD - $46,009.60. Officer, $49,230.27-$53,288.42 based on experience.
-Salisbury, MD - $44,192. Certified, $52,916
-Pocomoke, MD - $41,662.40 - $44,137
-Snow Hill, MD - $41,412
-Georgetown - $40,883 - $48,514
WBOC’s Maegan Summers will have more on this story on WBOC News at 6.
