Public Service Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Police Officer Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median police officer salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$57,895
vs State Avg
+$658
vs National
$-7,895
Cost of Living
88%

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

Tuscaloosa offers a median police officer salary of $57,895, which is $658 above the Alabama state average of $57,237. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $57,895 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Tuscaloosa spans from $35,552 at the 10th percentile to $93,280 at the 90th percentile — a $57,728 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,240. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,240
$-11,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $35,552
25th Percentile $45,056
Median (50th) $57,895
75th Percentile $76,736
90th Percentile $93,280

Police Officer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$60,527
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$59,211
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$56,579
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$55,922
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Police Officer in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open police officer positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Police Officer make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median police officer salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $35,552 (10th percentile) to $93,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,895, a police officer in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for police officer pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median police officer salary of $57,895 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $57,237. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $57,895 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most police officer positions in Tuscaloosa 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.