Average Transit and Railroad Police Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area, Transit and Railroad Police officers earn an average annual salary of $91,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $98,530, suggesting that while the demand for these specialized roles is high, other regional economic factors may influence the compensation structure. The unique operational environment and security needs of this major transit hub likely contribute to the specific pay scales observed.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $91,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,700.
- Outlook: The job market for Transit and Railroad Police in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, characterized by a significant concentration of these roles. With a Location Quotient of 4.25, this region employs Transit and Railroad Police at a rate more than four times the national average. Although the total local workforce of 260 individuals is relatively small, this high concentration indicates a strong and sustained demand for specialized security professionals within the area's extensive transportation network.
Salary Overview
The average Transit and Railroad Police in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns-7.2%below the national average.
$43.9
$1,758
$7,617
Transit and Railroad Police Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Transit and Railroad Police in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in public safety and specialized law enforcement roles. Factors such as inflation, increased security demands, and collective bargaining agreements likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory, ensuring compensation remains competitive within the region.
Transit and Railroad Police Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Transit and Railroad Police typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary distribution in law enforcement indicates that experienced officers, supervisors, and specialized unit members can command salaries considerably higher than the reported average. These percentile gaps are a clear signifier of career advancement and the accumulation of specialized skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $64,150 | $30.8 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $68,550 | $33 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $86,650 | $41.7 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $114,250 | $54.9 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $120,700 | $58 |
Detailed Transit and Railroad Police Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$91,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$91,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $91,400 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Transit and Railroad Police officer's salary in this metropolitan area is comparable to that of an officer in a national average cost-of-living area. Consequently, relocating to this region does not present an immediate financial disadvantage in terms of day-to-day expenses.
Job Market Context
260
Total Jobs
0.083
Per 1K Jobs
4.25
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 4.3x the national concentration of Transit and Railroad Police jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 4.25 for Transit and Railroad Police in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that these professionals are significantly more prevalent in this region compared to the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized demand driven by the extensive public transit and railroad infrastructure, making the market potentially competitive for new entrants but offering ample opportunities for those with relevant experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Transit and Railroad Police
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Transit and Railroad Police Salary | $94,150↑ 3% | 35 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Transit and Railroad Polices?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Transit and Railroad Police make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Transit and Railroad Police in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $91,400. This typically ranges from $64,150 for entry-level positions to $120,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 7.2% lower than the national median of $98,530.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Transit and Railroad Polices?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.Transit and Railroad Police in this area earn $91,400 annually, which is on par with the national average cost of living. The high concentration of these jobs (LQ of 4.25) also points to strong local demand.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Transit and Railroad Polices?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($94,150) and others.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Transit and Railroad Police in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $91,400, which is slightly lower than the national average of $98,530.
What is the concentration of Transit and Railroad Police jobs in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 4.25, indicating that these jobs are over four times more common in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $91,400 salary has average purchasing power.
How many Transit and Railroad Police officers work in this region?
There are approximately 260 Transit and Railroad Police officers employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.083 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Transit and Railroad Police • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV