Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County, GA, earn an average annual salary of $59,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $63,300, indicating localized economic factors and demand influencing compensation within the region. The specific pay rates are often tied to the unique budgetary allocations and public safety needs of the county.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 35.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,350.
- Outlook: The job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County appears stable, with a total local workforce of 500 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 1.21 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these officers compared to the national average, implying a consistent, if not growing, demand for law enforcement professionals within the county.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-6.1%below the national average.
$28.6
$1,143
$4,951
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for public safety, and evolving responsibilities likely contribute to incremental salary growth in this vital public service sector.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers typically scales with experience and rank. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned officers with specialized training or supervisory roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the department.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $41,790 | $20.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $44,558 | $21.4 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $56,920 | $27.4 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $74,263 | $35.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $68,350 | $32.9 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $59,410 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County experience a salary that aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their income is comparable to that of officers in a typical U.S. location, offering a stable financial standing.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
5.221
Per 1K Jobs
1.21
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.21, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.21 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles than the national average. This suggests that the job market here is moderately robust, with demand being somewhat more pronounced locally than across the country, potentially offering more opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $61,080↑ 3% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $63,180↑ 6% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $46,240↓ 22% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $49,040↓ 17% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $48,360↓ 19% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $59,410. This typically ranges from $41,790 for entry-level positions to $68,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 6.1% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
No, but it is competitive.The average salary of $59,410 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a comparable market. The Location Quotient suggests a slightly higher concentration of these jobs, indicating steady demand.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($61,080) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County is $59,410, which is slightly lower than the national average of $63,300.
What is the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated are Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer jobs in Athens-Clarke County?
With a Location Quotient of 1.21, Athens-Clarke County has a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy local demand.
What is the total number of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Athens-Clarke County?
There are approximately 500 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed within Athens-Clarke County, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 5.221 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA