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Police Officer Salary in Birmingham, AL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Birmingham β€” Key Numbers

$62,161
Median Salary
$47,154
25th Percentile
$83,953
75th Percentile
$107,242
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median-14.0%
Birmingham median household income$55,800
vs. City household income+11.4%

Cost of Living in Birmingham

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$898/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.3%
Annual rent cost$10,776
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary3.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Birmingham

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,120,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
37.7
Median Age

Birmingham has a metro population of 1,120,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Police Officer Salary β€” Other Alabama Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Birmingham, AL?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Birmingham is $62,161 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Birmingham's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $47,154 (25th percentile) to $83,953 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $107,242.

Is Birmingham affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $62,161 annual salary, a Police Officer in Birmingham would spend approximately 17.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($898/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Birmingham relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 3.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Birmingham's overall income?

Birmingham's median household income is $55,800. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $62,161 earns 11.4% more than the typical Birmingham household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.