Law Enforcement Salaries
Learn About Law Enforcement Salaries
Are you seeking a career in law enforcement? It may be a good idea to check the information regarding law enforcement salaries. According to the most recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2004, police and sheriffs patrol officers had law enforcement salary earnings of $45,210. The middle 50% earned between $39,410 and $56,360. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,516, and the highest 10% earned more than $68,880. Median annual earnings in law enforcement salaries were $44,750 in Federal Government, $48,980 in State Government, and $45,010 in Local Government. You may want to keep these law enforcement salaries in mind when seeking a career in law enforcement.
In that same year, law enforcement salaries of police and detectives were $64,430. The middle 50% earned between $49,370 and $80,510. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,690. The highest 10% earned more than $96,950. The median annual law enforcement salaries were $86,030 in Federal Government, $62,300 in State Government, and $63,590 in Local Government.
Also, in May 2004, the law enforcement salaries of detectives and criminal investigators were $53,990. The middle 50% earned between $40,690 and $72,280. The lowest 10% earned less than $32,180. The highest 10% earned more than $86,010. The median annual law enforcement salaries were $75,700 in Federal Government, $46,670 in State Government, and $49,650 in Local Government.
It is important to note that Federal law provides special law enforcement salary rates to Federal employees who serve in law enforcement. Additionally, Federal Special Agents and Inspectors receive law enforcement salaries(LEAP) equal to 25% of the agent’s grade and step, awarded for overtime (they are expected to work overtime).
All of the above data is fairly recent, and of course in 2007 you would need to take into account any raises, or cost of living expenses. The following chart can give you and idea of the law enforcement salary earnings at-a-glance. The following is most current according to the International City-County Management Associations annual police and fire personnel law enforcement salaries and expenditure survey. They are the average salaries for sworn full-time positions:
Minimum Annual Maximum Annual
Base Salary Base Salary
Police Chief $72,924 $92,983
Deputy Chief $61,110 $76,994
Police Captain $60,908 $75,497
Police Lieutenant $56,115 $67,580
Police Sergeant $49,895 $59,454
Police Corporal $41,793 $51,661
As you can see, the Police Chief appears to have top ranking on the pay scale.
Total law enforcement salaries for Local, State Special Police and detectives frequently exceed the stated salary because of payments for the overtime, which can be significant. So, if you would like a place in the law enforcement field, be prepared to works lots of overtime!
The good news is you will be compensated greatly for it. In addition to, as part of law enforcement salaries, common benefits, paid vacations, sick leave, and medical and life insurance, most police and sheriff departments provide officers with special allowances for uniforms. Because police officers are usually covered by liberal pension plans, many retire at half-pay after 25 or 30 years of service. Keeping all of this in mind regarding law enforcement salaries should help towards your decision as to whether or not to pursue working in the area of law enforcement.
