Public Service Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Police Officer Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median police officer salary in Birmingham, AL is $59,211 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$59,211
vs State Avg
+$1,974
vs National
$-6,579
Cost of Living
90%

Police Officer Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median police officer salary of $59,211, which is $1,974 above the Alabama state average of $57,237. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for police officers in Birmingham spans from $36,360 at the 10th percentile to $95,400 at the 90th percentile — a $59,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,800, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level police officer earns around $37,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $36,360
25th Percentile $46,080
Median (50th) $59,211
75th Percentile $78,480
90th Percentile $95,400

Police Officer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$60,527
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$57,895
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$56,579
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$55,922
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Police Officer in Birmingham

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open police officer positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Police Officer make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median police officer salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $59,211 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $36,360 (10th percentile) to $95,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,211, a police officer in Birmingham earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for police officer pay? ▼
Birmingham's median police officer salary of $59,211 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $57,237. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $59,211 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Birmingham? ▼
Most police officer positions in Birmingham require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.