Public Service Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Police Officer Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median police officer salary in Lafayette, LA is $57,895 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$57,895
vs State Avg
$-1,974
vs National
$-7,895
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median police officer salary of $57,895, which is $1,974 below the Louisiana state average of $59,869. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette'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 Lafayette an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Lafayette 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 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, 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 Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
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 Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$64,474
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$60,527
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$56,579
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$55,922
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Police Officer in Lafayette

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana 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 Lafayette may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open police officer positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Police Officer make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median police officer salary in Lafayette, Louisiana 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 Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,895, a police officer in Lafayette earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for police officer pay? ▼
Lafayette's median police officer salary of $57,895 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $59,869. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $57,895 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Lafayette? ▼
Most police officer positions in Lafayette 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.