Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Bellingham, WA
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $101,180. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $63,300, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher responsibilities or specialized needs within the region. The robust compensation reflects the unique economic and operational landscape of Bellingham.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $101,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,250.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 280 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, Bellingham presents a focused employment sector. The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of positions and the jobs per 1,000 workers (3.109) indicate a stable and present demand for law enforcement professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham, WA earns+59.8%above the national average.
$48.7
$1,946
$8,432
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 Bellingham have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, evolving public safety needs, and recruitment efforts likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory, ensuring that compensation remains competitive within the local market.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical structure sees higher earners commanding substantially more than the average. These salary differentials, often seen across the 75th and 90th percentiles, signify increased responsibility, specialized skills, and years of dedicated service.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $85,690 | $41.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $75,885 | $36.5 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $104,350 | $50.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $126,475 | $60.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $116,250 | $55.9 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$101,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$101,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $101,180 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officer's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
3.109
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 0.72x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is established, the market might not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition compared to regions with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $98,900↓ 2% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $111,820↑ 11% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $94,540↓ 7% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham, WA is $101,180. This typically ranges from $85,690 for entry-level positions to $116,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 59.8% higher than the national median of $63,300.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Yes, Bellingham, WA is a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.The average salary of $101,180 is substantially higher than the national average, and it is balanced by a Cost of Living Index that matches the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($98,900) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's police officer salary compare to the national average?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham earn an average of $101,180 annually, which is significantly higher than the national average of $63,300.
What is the Cost of Living in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham, WA has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for police officers in Bellingham?
The Location Quotient of 0.72 suggests that the concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Bellingham is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate level of market saturation.
What is the total number of police officers in Bellingham?
There are approximately 280 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed within Bellingham, WA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 3.109 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Bellingham, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Production Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Bellingham, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA