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Police Officer Salary in Erie, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Erie's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Erie β€” Key Numbers

$60,715
Median Salary
$46,057
25th Percentile
$82,001
75th Percentile
$104,748
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median-16.0%
Erie median household income$51,400
vs. City household income+18.1%

Cost of Living in Erie

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio16.8%
Annual rent cost$10,200
Median Home Price$160,000
Home Price / Salary2.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$32,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.6 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 Erie

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
270,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
38.6
Median Age

Erie has a metro population of 270,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Erie, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Erie is $60,715 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Erie's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $46,057 (25th percentile) to $82,001 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $104,748.

Is Erie affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $60,715 annual salary, a Police Officer in Erie would spend approximately 16.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($850/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Erie relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $160,000 is 2.6Γ— the annual salary.

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

Erie's median household income is $51,400. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $60,715 earns 18.1% more than the typical Erie 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.