Vermont is one of the safest states in the country. Police officers are paid well. The average salary of a police officer is slightly higher than many other professions.
According to FBI statistics, Vermont has a very low crime rate. In 2010, there were no murders or non-negligent manslaughters in the state. Most of Vermont's cities have low populations.
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In general, the cost of living in Vermont is higher than the rest of the country.
Sperlings Best Places estimates housing costs in Vermont at about 30 percent higher than the national average, other costs of living, like transportation, groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also higher.
The state boasts a lower than average unemployment rate. About 1.5 percent of the workforce is in law enforcement and firefighting professions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average of salary in Vermont is about $45,000. The state has 301,000 employed people.
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LawEnforcementEdu.net reports the highest paid average police salaries in the state are in Burlington and South Burlington. Burlington is the largest city in the state of Vermont; there are about 400 police officers employed in the city.
Statewide, police managers make less money than other managers as a whole. Management positions make an average of about $98,000 in Vermont. Police supervisors make closer to $70,000.
Vermont State Police troopers start out at $45,571. That salary is raised after one year to $54,448. This salary is the top base salary for an officer is $82,096.
This starting salary is slightly less than
the neighboring state of New Hampshire, which compensates officers with a starting pay of just over $48,000.
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