Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Decatur, AL
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL earn an average annual salary of $58,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $63,300, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation structures. The specific pay rates in Decatur are shaped by regional economic conditions and the unique needs of the local law enforcement agencies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,040.
- Outlook: The job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL, appears moderately robust, supported by a local workforce of 330 individuals in this role. A Location Quotient of 1.3 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 30% higher than the national average, suggesting a stable demand and a significant presence of law enforcement within the community's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL earns-8.3%below the national average.
$27.9
$1,116
$4,836
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation adjustments, and evolving public safety needs typically contribute to incremental increases in compensation for essential roles like law enforcement.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL, is typically tied to experience and rank. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior officers with extensive experience and specialized roles can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $39,710 | $19.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $43,523 | $20.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $56,590 | $27.2 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $72,538 | $34.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $72,040 | $34.6 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
Decatur, AL, presents a balanced financial picture for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, with an average salary of $58,030 aligning perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an officer's salary in Decatur is comparable to the national standard, offering stability for those considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
5.637
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Decatur, 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 1.3 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL, signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles relative to the general workforce, indicating a competitive but accessible job market for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $64,030↑ 10% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $52,190↓ 10% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $43,140↓ 26% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $61,490↑ 6% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $49,430↓ 15% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL is $58,030. This typically ranges from $39,710 for entry-level positions to $72,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 8.3% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Moderately lucrative, with competitive earning potential.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective income competitive. The higher-than-average concentration of these roles suggests consistent demand.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($64,030) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's Police Officer salary compare to the national average?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL, earn an average of $58,030 annually, which is approximately $5,270 less than the national average of $63,300.
What is the Cost of Living in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, AL has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
Is there high demand for Police Officers in Decatur, AL?
With a Location Quotient of 1.3, Decatur, AL has a higher concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers than the national average, indicating a solid demand for these professionals.
How many Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are there in Decatur, AL?
The total local workforce for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Decatur, AL, is approximately 330 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 5.637 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 Decatur, AL