Police Officer Salary in Suffolk, VA: $59,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Suffolk, VA earns a median $59,745/year (≈ $28.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $57,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the 2026 projected salary for police officers is set at $59,745, reflecting an annual growth rate of 3.06%. This figure, being notably lower than the national median of $78,542, indicates the unique economic landscape of Suffolk where salaries range from $39,200 at the lower end to $92,605 for the top earners (P90). The data, derived from state-level estimates and local cost adjustments, paints a nuanced picture of police officer pay in Suffolk, VA. The retirement compensation structure, particularly the pension multiplier formula, plays a critical long-term role in an officer's financial planning compared to salaries alone. With local opportunities aligned with the demands of law enforcement, this market can attract those looking for stability and growth within challenging roles.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,200 | $18.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,498 | $22.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,745 | $28.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,060 | $36.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,605 | $44.52 |
Median Salary Position
23.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,405 (2026 est.). At $59,745, the local median is 23.93% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Police Officer Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $59,745/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,778 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -23.93% less |
Police Officers in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $59,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.93% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $60,778.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,745 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,892 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,037
2025 BLS Actual
$57,971
2026 Current Est.
$59,745
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,911 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,573 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $48,037 (2019) to $57,971 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,573 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,536 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $39,200 – $47,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,498 – $59,745 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,745 – $75,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,060 – $92,605 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Suffolk
The job market for police officers in Suffolk consists of a small group of around 15 personnel actively employed in law enforcement. Given the high cost of living index of 103.2, which is above the national average, officers must navigate these economic realities effectively to maximize their take-home pay. Interestingly, municipal police departments typically offer a range of salaries, though those in specialized positions within federal agencies often earn considerably more due to their distinct roles and greater resources. Factors influencing the disparity between various wage levels in Suffolk include agency type, such as the federal pay scale, educational incentives, and overtime opportunities established through union contracts. Officers seeking to enhance their earnings should consider targeting special units like SWAT or investigator roles and pursuing additional qualifications that come with salary boosts.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $57,971 for police officersin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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