Average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $54,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $63,300, suggesting that local economic factors and potentially different demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local context is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,270.
- Outlook: The job market for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA, shows a significant concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.54, indicating a demand that is 54% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 1,170 officers, this elevated quotient suggests a robust and potentially growing sector within the city's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA earns-13.9%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,048
$4,543
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette, LA is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving public safety needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation for law enforcement roles.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior officers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career advancement opportunities within the force.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $35,620 | $17.1 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $40,883 | $19.7 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $50,910 | $24.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $68,138 | $32.8 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $82,270 | $39.6 |
Detailed Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,510 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an officer's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to that of an officer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,170
Total Jobs
6.648
Per 1K Jobs
1.54
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.54 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA, signals a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong demand for these roles within the local economy, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for recruitment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $51,900↓ 5% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $41,430↓ 24% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $39,560↓ 27% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $44,030↓ 19% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary | $58,660↑ 8% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA is $54,510. This typically ranges from $35,620 for entry-level positions to $82,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 13.9% lower than the national median of $63,300.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the $54,510 salary is below the national average of $63,300 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($51,900) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's Police Officer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Lafayette, LA, is $54,510, which is lower than the national average of $63,300.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette, LA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there a high demand for Police Officers in Lafayette, LA?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.54 indicates that Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are more concentrated in Lafayette than the national average, suggesting higher relative demand.
How many Police Officers are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 1,170 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the Lafayette, LA workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,170 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 6.648 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 Lafayette, LA
- All Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Production Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Management Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Lafayette, LA
- Browse All Jobs in Lafayette, LA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA