Public Service Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Police Officer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median police officer salary in Erie, PA is $55,264 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$55,264
vs State Avg
$-7,894
vs National
$-10,526
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median police officer salary of $55,264, which is $7,894 below the Pennsylvania state average of $63,158. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $55,264 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Erie spans from $33,936 at the 10th percentile to $89,040 at the 90th percentile — a $55,104 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,320. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level police officer earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,320
$-15,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $33,936
25th Percentile $43,008
Median (50th) $55,264
75th Percentile $73,248
90th Percentile $89,040

Police Officer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$67,106
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$61,843
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$61,185
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$57,895
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Police Officer in Erie

Education

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

Find Police Officer Jobs in Erie

Browse open police officer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Erie

How much does a Police Officer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median police officer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $55,264 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $33,936 (10th percentile) to $89,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,264, a police officer in Erie earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for police officer pay? ▼
Erie's median police officer salary of $55,264 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $63,158. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $55,264 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Erie? ▼
Most police officer positions in Erie 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.