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Police Officer Salary in State College, PA

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

Median Salary
$73,644
per year in State College
Entry Level
$45,486
Starting salary
Senior Level
$102,885
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$45,486$73,644$102,885
Monthly$3,791$6,137$8,574
Biweekly$1,749$2,832$3,957
Weekly$875$1,416$1,979
Hourly$22$35$49

State College vs National Average

How State College's police officer salaries compare to national figures.

State College Salary
$73,644
COL Index: 102
National Average
$76,000
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,356
Lower in State College

Cost of Living in State College

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$38,920
per year
Population
42,034
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in State College 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
+44%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,630
+57%
Chicago, IL
$108,890
+48%
Houston, TX
$75,450
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$91,600
+24%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Police Officer Salary in State College, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a police officer in State College, PA is $73,644 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering State College's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level police officer professionals in State College can expect to earn around $45,486 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level police officers earning approximately $102,885 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

State College's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in State College 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 State College typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 18.7% 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 State College, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.