Salary distribution
Where Virginia police and sheriff's patrol officers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $58,100 and $77,550, with a median of $65,110.
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay by experience level in Virginia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Virginia over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- 02
Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- 03
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- 04
Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- 05
Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
- 06
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- 07
Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
- 08
Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+3.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for police and sheriff's patrol officers in major Virginia metropolitan areas.
- Richmond$62,480
- Virginia Beach$59,030
Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Virginia is $65,110.
- How does Virginia compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- The Virginia median is -18.0% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
- What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,160 and the 90th-percentile at $96,700, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 3.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.