Electrical Engineers vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn $35,620 more per year than Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers professionals — that's 46.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Electrical Engineers earns $175,460 compared to $115,280 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Salary Range Comparison
Electrical Engineers$74,670 – $175,460
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$47,640 – $115,280
$47,640$175,460
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Electrical Engineers | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,670 | $47,640 | +$27,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,590 | $58,980 | +$28,610 |
| Median (50th) | $111,910 | $76,290 | +$35,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,630 | $97,190 | +$44,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,460 | $115,280 | +$60,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $120,980 | $79,320 | +$41,660 |
Employment Numbers
Electrical Engineers
188,790
employed nationwide
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
666,990
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $186,920 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $163,840 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $136,820 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $135,480 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $134,900 |
Best Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $150,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,630 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $114,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $112,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Electrical Engineers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Electrical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $35,620 (46.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers?
Electrical Engineers salaries range from $74,670 (10th percentile) to $175,460 (90th percentile), with a median of $111,910.
What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries range from $47,640 (10th percentile) to $115,280 (90th percentile), with a median of $76,290.
How many Electrical Engineers and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs are there?
There are approximately 188,790 Electrical Engineers positions and 666,990 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers to Electrical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Electrical Engineers has a median salary of $111,910 while Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earns $76,290. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS