What Is Average Salary of a Police Officer in North Dakota?

The population of North Dakota is small, but the average salary for a police officer in the state is relatively large.

North Dakota is one of the least populous states. With a population just shy of 740,000, the entire state has fewer people than most major U.S. cities. The U.S. Census Bureau says there is an average population of just 9.7 people per square mile in the state. The United States as a whole has a population of about 87 people per square mile.

While average salaries across occupations vary greatly in North Dakota, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an average mean wage in the state as $44,100.

Urgent: Should All Police Officers Have to Wear Body Cameras?

Law enforcement officers are likely to make much more than that amount, particularly those serving in the highway patrol.

According to LawEnforementEDU.net, which provides information about police departments and crime for potential law enforcement officers, North Dakota has a relatively low crime rate. The average starting salary for a police officer is around $47,000. Salaries for police officers officers top out around $70,000 depending on the area of the state.

State troopers in North Dakota make much more than officers in the police and sheriff departments across the state. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, trooper recruits earn a base salary of about $4,200 per month with free room and board while in training.

Vote Now: Does Media Coverage Make Police Officers' Jobs More Dangerous?

Recruits who complete training get a raise to $4,464 a month. A $200 monthly expense allowance is also given to troopers after completing training. Troopers take home assigned vehicles and are furnished uniforms by the state patrol.

North Dakota Highway Patrol also has a great retirement package that translates to a 90 percent of the trooper's final average salary at retirement after 25 years. Troopers contribute 9.3 percent of the monthly pay to fund which is matched by the department at 23.7 percent of the monthly wages.

Troopers can also earn up to 24 vacation days a year after 19 years of service.

Tell Us: Does Racism Play a Role in Police Officers' Actions?

Related Stories:

• Facts About North Dakota's 529 Plan
• 7 Biggest Cities in North Dakota: How Well Do You Know The Peace Garden State?