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Police Officer Salary in Austin, TX

How much does a police officer make in Austin? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Austin's cost of living.

Median Salary
$83,820
per year in Austin
Entry Level
$51,771
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,101
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
121
21% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how police officer salaries break down across different pay periods in Austin.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$51,771$83,820$117,101
Monthly$4,314$6,985$9,758
Biweekly$1,991$3,224$4,504
Weekly$996$1,612$2,252
Hourly$25$40$56

Austin vs National Average

How Austin's police officer salaries compare to national figures.

Austin Salary
$83,820
COL Index: 121
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$7,820
Higher in Austin

Cost of Living in Austin

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$71,349
per year
Population
978,908
residents
Rent % of Income
28.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 121 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Austin have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Police Officer

Overview

Protect public safety and enforce laws.

Education

High school diploma; police academy training required

Key Skills

Law EnforcementCrisis ManagementCommunicationPhysical Fitness

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Police Officer Salary

See Police Officer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,790
+26%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
+38%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
+30%
Houston, TX
$75,450
-10%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
+9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Police Officer Salary in Austin, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in Austin, TX is $83,820 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 121. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Austin's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in Austin can expect to earn around $51,771 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $117,101 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Austin's cost of living index of 121 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Austin are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,000, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a police officer's salary in Austin typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 24.3% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Police Officers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Austin, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.