National Salary Overview
VS
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Median Salary
$69,797
Average (Mean)
$70,741
Employed Nationwide
646,310
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $14,863 more (27.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$54,934
$69,797
Average (Mean) Salary
$56,417
$70,741
Total Employment
307,400
646,310
States with Higher Pay
1
48
Salary by State: Firefighters vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Firefighters pays more in 1 states; Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 48.
| State | Firefighters | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,290 | $51,030 | $-9,740 | ||
| Alaska | $58,280 | $90,060 | $-31,780 | ||
| Arizona | $52,380 | $76,450 | $-24,070 | ||
| Arkansas | $39,940 | $44,300 | $-4,360 | ||
| California | $80,330 | $113,460 | $-33,130 | ||
| Colorado | $72,930 | $88,400 | $-15,470 | ||
| Connecticut | $76,480 | $85,340 | $-8,860 | ||
| Delaware | $42,970 | $82,410 | $-39,440 | ||
| Florida | $55,000 | $68,240 | $-13,240 | ||
| Georgia | $42,950 | $53,730 | $-10,780 | ||
| Idaho | $47,240 | $63,110 | $-15,870 | ||
| Illinois | $80,380 | $98,430 | $-18,050 | ||
| Indiana | $58,930 | $66,320 | $-7,390 | ||
| Iowa | $50,460 | $69,270 | $-18,810 | ||
| Kansas | $42,370 | $53,170 | $-10,800 | ||
| Kentucky | $34,430 | $50,470 | $-16,040 | ||
| Louisiana | $30,770 | $47,800 | $-17,030 | ||
| Maine | $46,900 | $62,280 | $-15,380 | ||
| Maryland | $65,090 | $75,460 | $-10,370 | ||
| Massachusetts | $70,270 | $75,700 | $-5,430 | ||
| Michigan | $51,200 | $69,240 | $-18,040 | ||
| Minnesota | $38,750 | $84,080 | $-45,330 | ||
| Mississippi | $36,130 | $41,080 | $-4,950 | ||
| Missouri | $45,050 | $56,480 | $-11,430 | ||
| Montana | $60,950 | $63,810 | $-2,860 | ||
| Nebraska | $69,040 | $66,000 | +$3,040 | ||
| Nevada | $63,600 | $80,730 | $-17,130 | ||
| New Hampshire | $51,470 | $63,750 | $-12,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $85,330 | $91,850 | $-6,520 | ||
| New Mexico | $41,790 | $62,840 | $-21,050 | ||
| New York | $82,290 | $85,460 | $-3,170 | ||
| North Carolina | $35,650 | $52,380 | $-16,730 | ||
| North Dakota | $50,450 | $67,060 | $-16,610 | ||
| Ohio | $55,040 | $74,300 | $-19,260 | ||
| Oklahoma | $53,760 | $53,850 | $-90 | ||
| Oregon | $70,830 | $83,360 | $-12,530 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $72,590 | $85,390 | $-12,800 | ||
| Rhode Island | $65,590 | $76,060 | $-10,470 | ||
| South Carolina | $45,540 | $50,380 | $-4,840 | ||
| South Dakota | $51,330 | $55,390 | $-4,060 | ||
| Tennessee | $42,220 | $52,000 | $-9,780 | ||
| Texas | $59,880 | $74,010 | $-14,130 | ||
| Utah | $46,180 | $67,540 | $-21,360 | ||
| Vermont | $48,260 | $65,760 | $-17,500 | ||
| Virginia | $54,170 | $61,980 | $-7,810 | ||
| Washington | $88,230 | $99,510 | $-11,280 | ||
| West Virginia | $40,100 | $50,560 | $-10,460 | ||
| Wisconsin | $44,710 | $77,040 | $-32,330 | ||
| Wyoming | $52,250 | $64,100 | $-11,850 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Firefighters or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
On average across all states, a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns more than a Firefighters. The national median salary difference is $14,863 (27.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Firefighters earn more than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
A Firefighters earns a higher median salary than a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in 1 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pays more in 48 states.
What is the median salary for a Firefighters vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
The national median salary for a Firefighters is $54,934 per year, compared to $69,797 for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Firefighters or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
There are more people employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers. BLS reports approximately 307,400 Firefighters positions and 646,310 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Firefighters or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Both Firefighters and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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