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Police Officer Salary in Roanoke, VA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Roanoke's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Police Officer Salary in Roanoke β€” Key Numbers

$63,606
Median Salary
$48,250
25th Percentile
$85,906
75th Percentile
$109,736
90th Percentile
National median (Police Officer)$72,280
vs. National median-12.0%
Roanoke median household income$55,800
vs. City household income+14.0%

Cost of Living in Roanoke

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.9%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary3.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.4 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 Roanoke

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
320,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
39.5
Median Age

Roanoke has a metro population of 320,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Police Officer Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Roanoke, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Roanoke is $63,606 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Roanoke's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $48,250 (25th percentile) to $85,906 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $109,736.

Is Roanoke affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $63,606 annual salary, a Police Officer in Roanoke would spend approximately 17.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Roanoke relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 3.4Γ— the annual salary.

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

Roanoke's median household income is $55,800. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $63,606 earns 14.0% more than the typical Roanoke 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.