LEO Career at 34

[lcg0207]

My main question is this…. I know police officers don't do their job for the money. Thats almost a cliche. But do they really only make what their salary states? I am an investment professional that really wants to pursue a career in in law enforcement with my ultimate goal either pursing the FBI or a an Alabama state trooper. Again, I know you don't do this job for the money but my family is used to the finer things in life…….such as food, shelter, and water. Are cops really making $34000 a year? regardless of my passions I still have to feed my kids. Any insights on this?

[lcg0207]

I mean here is a quick flow chart….. mortgage is $1300, childcare is another $1400, student loans are another $1000, car payments are another $1000….. thats just for starters and thats with zero credit card debt. How are people living there dreams as LEO's with those kinds of salaries?

[lcg0207]

I make roughly $60000 and my wife makes about $42000 as a teacher in southern alabama

[jdthor]

34,000 here. made 40k last year counting over time..If your doing it for the money it isnt a reason.

You do it because its in your blood really.About all i can figure out why most of us deal with idiots and crack heads for a living and 50% of the public either thinks we do nothing at all most of the time or only what the news media shows which is always wrong .

[Iowa #1603]

after 30 yrs AND promotions I retired at $63000. An officer was at about $50000



You can IN SOME AGENCIES make quite a bit in Overtime

[lcg0207]

Wow. All I want to do is support my family and it sounds like that isn't an option even with a working wife. The reason I am questioning is because I virtually made a perfect score on my written test and scored 1st in my class on the physical exam (2nd was a very distant second). Im just thinking I could be really good at this and it seems like my dream job but blah blah blah if I am in the welfare line….

[lcg0207]

after 30 yrs AND promotions I retired at $63000. An officer was at about $50000



You can IN SOME AGENCIES make quite a bit in Overtime

Ive heard of some cops making six figures with overtime. I guess it strictly depends on the agency

[Iowa #1603]

Ive heard of some cops making six figures with overtime. I guess it strictly depends on the agency

LARGE EAST COAST and WEST COAST agencies mostly.

You aren't going to find that in your area

[Lady Blue]

Last year I made 71 and change. That is as a corporal (since promoted) with 15 years experience. That is with overtime.I am single with no kids and a very small house payment so it is more than enough for me to be able to live the lifestyle that I want. I would not be able to raise a family on that and still do the things that I enjoy. Can you and your family adapt to that? That is something that you will have to decide together.

[just joe]

You can't be hired as a special agent if you are 37 or older.

There are guys out there working full time for $12 an hour. Find depts that pay well and test with them. Where in the country are you? The South in general seems to pay poorly. How much do you need to make a year?

[Catfish56]

Food, shelter, and water are the finer things in life? You can support a family on a LE salary, especially with a working wife. Yes, believe it or not we really make peanuts to do this job. If you have that many financial obligations, then a career change with a significant reduction in salary would not be a wise choice. I'm a police officer and my wife is a teacher. We have one child. We have no credit card debt and are able to meet our monthly obligations. We have to go without a lot of luxuries but we do just fine with proper budgeting. I could never afford $1000 in student loan debt and $1500 in child care ( either one for that matter). Don't expect to be able to live your current lifestyle as a LEO.

[lcg0207]

You can't be hired as a special agent if you are 37 or older.

There are guys out there working full time for $12 an hour. Find depts that pay well and test with them. Where in the country are you? The South in general seems to pay poorly. How much do you need to make a year?

Yeah Im aware of the cutoff. I was thinking with my background, after some time I could move into a position that may pay more than the minimum. Is becoming a detective an unrealistic goal? I thought perhaps with my accounting background it may position me better for an investigative role. I am in southern alabama by the way.

[lcg0207]

Food, shelter, and water are the finer things in life? You can support a family on a LE salary, especially with a working wife. Yes, believe it or not we really make peanuts to do this job. If you have that many financial obligations, then a career change with a significant reduction in salary would not be a wise choice. I'm a police officer and my wife is a teacher. We have one child. We have no credit card debt and are able to meet our monthly obligations. We have to go without a lot of luxuries but we do just fine with proper budgeting. I could never afford $1000 in student loan debt and $1500 in child care ( either one for that matter). Don't expect to be able to live your current lifestyle as a LEO.

Thanks for the thoughts catfish. I guess if its something I want to do bad enough, I will figure out a way to budget. My neighbor is an Alabama state trooper and he's been on the job about 8 years and he seems to do well and LOVES his job. I think ultimately I would like to work in that agency. I thought with my professional background coupled with LE experience it could put me in a good position for the next time they hire.

[Langford PR]

207 I would go over and have a long talk with your neighbor since he's already in the job you'd like to be in.

Secondly, if you work for a large metro agency like say Denver and you take a lot of the OT work available around town....I know guys and gals who can make in excess of 120k but they're are working their arz's off to do that (early grave if you ask me). In LEO if you're making 50-70 you're doing very well....even for most chief/sheriff slots. Good luck.

[So Fla Cop]

Ive heard of some cops making six figures with overtime. I guess it strictly depends on the agency

Very easy to do here. You can actually retire with the six figures. You will have no home life while you are working though.