Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in Richmond, VA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Richmond, VA

Median annual salary $62,480 -18.1% vs national
Median hourly $30.04
10th percentile $53,080
90th percentile $96,700
Employed locally 3,240
National median $76,290

Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary & buying power

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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
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Richmond, VA
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    In Richmond, VA, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earn a median annual salary of $62,480, which translates to approximately $30.04 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $76,290. When compared to the local area's median household income of $84,405, the earnings of these officers also fall below the regional average, suggesting that a typical officer earns less than what most households in Richmond make annually. This discrepancy highlights potential differences in living costs or compensation standards between law enforcement salaries and broader economic conditions within the city.

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Richmond earn around $53,080 annually, reflecting the 10th percentile of salary distribution, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $58,100. In contrast, officers with more experience who are in the 75th percentile earn about $76,990 per year, and those at the top end, the 90th percentile, can make as much as $96,700 annually. This significant salary variation is driven by factors such as years of service, specialized training, additional responsibilities, or leadership roles within law enforcement agencies. The progression in earnings underscores how experience and career advancement contribute to higher wages for officers who remain with their departments over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $53,080
    25th
    $58,100
    50th (median)
    $62,480
    75th
    $76,990
    90th
    $96,700

    Richmond economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,405 2023 • Census ACS
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary vs area income 74% Median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary is 26% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make per hour in Richmond?

    The median hourly wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Richmond, VA is $30.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.26 or more per hour.

    Is Richmond above or below average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries?

    The median Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in Richmond, VA is 18.1% below the national median of $76,290. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Richmond?

    Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (10th percentile) earn around $53,080 per year in Richmond, VA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $58,100.