Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Dothan, AL
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL, earn an average annual salary of $54,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $63,300, suggesting that local economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic influence compensation in this Alabama city. While the national average reflects broader economic conditions, Dothan's specific market dynamics shape the earning potential for these vital public service roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,620.
- Outlook: The Dothan, AL job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.61, indicating a demand that is 61% higher than the national average. Coupled with a local workforce of 420 officers, this suggests a robust and relatively specialized job market. The presence of 6.965 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for these professionals within the Dothan community.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL earns-13.4%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,055
$4,570
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dothan 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 patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving public safety needs typically drive incremental salary increases in law enforcement roles, aiming to attract and retain qualified personnel.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Dothan, AL
Career progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL, typically involves a clear salary trajectory. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned officers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify this upward mobility, rewarding dedication and expertise within the force.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $33,140 | $15.9 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $41,130 | $19.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $56,420 | $27.1 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $68,550 | $33 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $82,620 | $39.7 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $54,840 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an officer's salary in Dothan is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
6.965
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Dothan, AL has 1.6x the national concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.61, Dothan, AL, demonstrates a higher concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand or a specialized focus on law enforcement roles within the city's employment landscape. While this indicates a potentially competitive market for job seekers, it also points to a stable and established career field within Dothan.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $62,270↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Albany, GA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $53,640↓ 2% | 76 mi |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $59,320↑ 8% | 77 mi |
| Tallahassee, FL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $67,890↑ 24% | 87 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $51,300↓ 6% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dothan, AL
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Dothan, AL?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL is $54,840. This typically ranges from $33,140 for entry-level positions to $82,620 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dothan, AL is 13.4% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Dothan, AL a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $54,840 is significantly lower than the national average of $63,300 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Is Dothan, AL a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dothan, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dothan, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL ($62,270) and Albany, GA.
How does Dothan's officer salary compare to the national average?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Dothan, AL, earn an average of $54,840 annually, which is below the national average of $63,300.
What is the concentration of law enforcement jobs in Dothan, AL?
Dothan, AL has a higher concentration of Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.61.
How does the cost of living in Dothan affect officer salaries?
The cost of living in Dothan is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $54,840 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the job market look like for officers in Dothan?
The job market in Dothan is robust for officers, with a significant concentration (LQ 1.61) and 6.965 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Dothan, AL area with a job density of 6.965 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 Dothan, AL