Law enforcement officers with a basic degree in criminal justice earn over $7,000 more per year.

Police and sheriff’s patrol officers had median annual earnings of $47,460 in May 2006.

The middle 50 percent earned between $35,600 and $59,880. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,450.

Median annual earnings were $43,510 in Federal Government, $52,540 in State government, and $47,190 in local government.