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Police Officer Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Median Salary
$82,270
per year in Pittsburgh
Entry Level
$50,814
Starting salary
Senior Level
$114,936
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$50,814$82,270$114,936
Monthly$4,235$6,856$9,578
Biweekly$1,954$3,164$4,421
Weekly$977$1,582$2,210
Hourly$24$40$55

Pittsburgh vs National Average

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

Pittsburgh Salary
$82,270
COL Index: 96
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$6,270
Higher in Pittsburgh

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,250
per month
Median Income
$51,688
per year
Population
302,971
residents
Rent % of Income
29.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Pittsburgh 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
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
+41%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
+32%
Houston, TX
$75,450
-8%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Police Officer Salary in Pittsburgh, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in Pittsburgh, PA is $82,270 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Pittsburgh's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in Pittsburgh can expect to earn around $50,814 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $114,936 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Pittsburgh's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,250 per month, housing represents about 18.2% 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 Pittsburgh, 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.