Police Officer Salary in Radford, VA: $58,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Radford, VA earns a median $58,984/year (≈ $28.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $57,155 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for police officers in Radford, Virginia, is set at $58,984. This figure is significantly lower than the national median of $78,542, highlighting a pay gap of approximately 24.90%. With a salary range spanning from $38,335 at the 10th percentile to $81,629 at the 90th percentile, these estimates incorporate local cost adjustments based on BLS state-level statistics. The compensation structure is essential for officers considering their long-term career path, especially with the impact of retirement packages tied to pension multipliers, which can greatly enhance lifetime earnings. Understanding these dynamics can help current and aspiring officers in Radford navigate their professional finance decisions effectively.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,335 | $18.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,811 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,984 | $28.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,176 | $34.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,629 | $39.25 |
Median Salary Position
24.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,294 (2026 est.). At $58,984, the local median is 24.9% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Radford Police Officer Pay Compares
Radford median: $58,984/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,746 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -24.90% less |
Police Officers in Radford, VA earn a median of $58,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.90% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.90% below the Virginia state average of $60,746.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,984 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,155 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,425
2025 BLS Actual
$57,233
2026 Current Est.
$58,984
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,522 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,408 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,789 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $47,425 (2019) to $57,233 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,789 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,364 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,335 – $48,811 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,811 – $58,984 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,984 – $72,176 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,176 – $81,629 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Radford
In the current job market, Radford employs six police officers, indicating a small but focused workforce in law enforcement. With a Cost of Living index of 103.2, the local economic environment slightly exceeds the national average, suggesting that while the take-home pay is modest, local expenses may be more manageable. Among the various sectors, municipal police departments typically represent the largest employer framework, but competition with state police and federal law enforcement agencies remains relevant for those looking at diverse career trajectories. Factors driving the salary variance include agency type, overtime provisions, and specialized assignments. Officers aiming to maximize their pay should consider pursuing educational incentives and seeking roles in high-demand units like SWAT or detective teams. Additionally, understanding the pension system dynamics and their long-term impacts can assist in making informed career choices in Radford VA's law enforcement landscape.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,233 for police officersin the Radford metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Radford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov