Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, command an impressive average annual salary of $82,850. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $63,300, indicating a localized demand and compensation structure that reflects the specific economic conditions and needs of the region. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of law enforcement roles likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $82,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,630.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers appears stable, with a local workforce of 1,120 individuals. The location quotient of 0.64 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a consistent need for law enforcement services within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+30.9%above the national average.
$39.8
$1,593
$6,904
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increased demand for public safety, and evolving responsibilities within the role, leading to higher compensation packages.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers is strongly tied to experience and tenure. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned officers with years of service and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The increasing salary gaps observed across different experience levels signify clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $61,320 | $29.5 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $62,138 | $29.9 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $85,420 | $41.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $103,563 | $49.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $104,630 | $50.3 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$82,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $82,850 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, experience a strong purchasing power. The salary aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, meaning that the nominal income translates directly into real economic value, making it an attractive location for financial stability.
Job Market Context
1,120
Total Jobs
2.766
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.64x 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 0.64 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, indicates that the concentration of these roles is somewhat lower than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for qualified professionals, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $71,010↓ 14% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $66,230↓ 20% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $69,200↓ 16% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $69,870↓ 16% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $68,120↓ 18% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $82,850. This typically ranges from $61,320 for entry-level positions to $104,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 30.9% higher than the national median of $63,300.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative location for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.The average annual salary of $82,850 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent purchasing power.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($71,010) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $82,850 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is substantially higher than the national average of $63,300 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the rest of the country.
How many Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 1,120 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The location quotient of 0.64 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate presence rather than a highly concentrated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,120 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.766 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA