Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area earn an average annual salary of $57,820. This figure is slightly below the national average of $63,300, reflecting regional economic factors and local demand for law enforcement professionals. The specific compensation within this area is influenced by a combination of local budget allocations and the cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,830.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a local workforce of approximately 400 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. With a Location Quotient of 1.29, indicating a concentration of these roles higher than the national average, the job market shows a robust demand for these professionals. The presence of 5.595 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the stability and opportunity within this sector in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-8.7%below the national average.
$27.8
$1,112
$4,818
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Auburn-Opelika area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified personnel in law enforcement.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned officers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command considerably higher salaries. The percentile gaps in pay clearly signify the career progression and increased value associated with seniority and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $36,180 | $17.4 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $43,365 | $20.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $57,930 | $27.9 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $72,275 | $34.7 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $77,830 | $37.4 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,820 in Auburn-Opelika, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an officer's salary in this region is comparable to that of an officer earning the national average salary in a national average cost of living area. Consequently, the nominal salary translates effectively into real economic terms for residents.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
5.595
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.29 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Auburn-Opelika, AL, signifies that this profession is more concentrated in this area compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market, but also indicates a strong local demand and established presence for these roles, making it a significant sector within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $50,700↓ 12% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $51,300↓ 11% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $52,690↓ 9% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $44,850↓ 22% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $46,220↓ 20% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $57,820. This typically ranges from $36,180 for entry-level positions to $77,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 8.7% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Moderately lucrative, with strong local demand.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the robust local concentration (LQ of 1.29) and average cost of living suggest a stable and comparable earning potential for officers in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($50,700) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the Auburn-Opelika salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $57,820, which is approximately $5,480 less than the national average of $63,300.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Auburn-Opelika?
An LQ of 1.29 indicates that Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer roles are 29% more concentrated in Auburn-Opelika than the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a larger proportion of these jobs locally.
Does the cost of living affect the salary in Auburn-Opelika?
No, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika is at the national average (100), meaning the $57,820 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
How many Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are there in Auburn-Opelika?
There are approximately 400 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area, representing 5.595 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 5.595 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL