Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Altoona, PA
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA, command an impressive average annual salary of $71,270, surpassing the national average of $63,300. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and responsibilities inherent to law enforcement roles within the Altoona region, potentially influenced by local economic factors and the cost of specialized services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,580.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 240 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Altoona, PA, demonstrates a stable employment landscape for this profession. The location quotient of 0.95 suggests that the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent and predictable demand for skilled officers within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA earns+12.6%above the national average.
$34.3
$1,371
$5,939
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA, have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in public service sectors. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased responsibilities, and efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned officers with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn substantially more, often reaching into the higher salary percentiles. The observed gaps between different experience levels signify clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,580 | $17.6 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $53,453 | $25.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $70,600 | $33.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $89,088 | $42.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $107,580 | $51.7 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,270
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,270 in Altoona, PA, presents a strong financial proposition when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an officer's salary in Altoona is equivalent to the national standard, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
4.099
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.95x the national average concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The location quotient of 0.95 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA, indicates a job market that is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where demand is steady and competition is neither excessively high nor unusually low, providing a stable environment for both current officers and those seeking employment in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Johnstown, PA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $60,130↓ 16% | 30 mi |
| State College, PA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $80,800↑ 13% | 35 mi |
| Chambersburg, PA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $73,050↑ 2% | 56 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $71,300↑ 0% | 70 mi |
| Gettysburg, PA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $89,300↑ 25% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA is $71,270. This typically ranges from $36,580 for entry-level positions to $107,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 12.6% higher than the national median of $63,300.
Is Altoona, PA a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Yes, Altoona, PA offers a lucrative environment for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.Officers in Altoona earn significantly above the national average salary, and with a cost of living at the national average, their earnings provide excellent purchasing power.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Johnstown, PA ($60,130) and State College, PA.
How does Altoona's salary for this role compare to the national average?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA, earn an average of $71,270 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $63,300.
What is the concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Altoona, PA?
The concentration, measured by the location quotient, is 0.95, indicating that the presence of these roles in Altoona is very close to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Altoona, PA?
No, the cost of living in Altoona, PA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $71,270 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are there in Altoona, PA?
There are approximately 240 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed within Altoona, PA, contributing to a local workforce of 4.099 per 1,000 workers in this profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 4.099 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA