Police Officer Salary in Louisiana
Based on 12K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$48,380
$23.26/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-34.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $69K
12K employed in Louisiana
The median Police Officer salary in Louisiana is $48,380 per year, which equates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, sitting 34.8% below it. Approximately 12,400 individuals are employed in this vital role across the state.
Several factors can influence the specific Police Officer salary in Louisiana. These typically include the individual's years of experience, their specific department or agency, the geographic location within Louisiana, and any specialized skills or certifications they possess. Higher cost-of-living areas might offer slightly more competitive pay.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,470 |
| 25th percentile | $43,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,380 |
| 75th percentile | $59,440 |
| 90th percentile | $69,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Louisiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,380 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,831 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,380 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $49,831 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,380 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $69,140 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Police Officer ($48,380 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in LA | $33,120 | -31.5% | $15.92/hr |
| Security Guard in LA | $32,240 | -33.4% | $15.50/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in LA | $48,040 | -0.7% | $23.10/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in LA | $47,990 | -0.8% | $23.07/hr |
| Truck Driver in LA | $49,320 | +1.9% | $23.71/hr |
| Social Worker in LA | $47,100 | -2.6% | $22.64/hr |
| Graphic Designer in LA | $49,910 | +3.2% | $24.00/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in LA | $49,990 | +3.3% | $24.03/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in LA | $46,400 | -4.1% | $22.31/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in LA | $45,850 | -5.2% | $22.04/hr |
| Bookkeeper in LA | $44,890 | -7.2% | $21.58/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in LA | $44,480 | -8.1% | $21.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Louisiana?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in Louisiana generally falls between $36,470 and $69,140 annually. The median salary of $48,380 indicates that half of all officers earn within this bracket.
How does the average Police Officer salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
- The average Police Officer salary in Louisiana is significantly lower than the national average. It is approximately 34.8% less than what officers earn across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Louisiana?
- Based on the median annual salary of $48,380, a Police Officer in Louisiana can expect to earn around $23 per hour. This hourly rate is a good benchmark for entry-level or mid-career positions.
Is the demand for Police Officers high in Louisiana?
- There are currently around 12,400 Police Officers employed in Louisiana. While this indicates a substantial workforce, understanding current hiring trends and departmental needs would be necessary to assess specific demand.