Grew up in a working class family, where my dad worked 2 or 3 jobs for most of my early life for us to get by, so this is as much an achievement for my parents as it is for me. Truly feel like I’m getting to live the American dream as this amount of money is allowing me to provide for my family in ways that I never could have dreamed of.

I’m in a HCOL area, began my career as a teacher with a masters degree making around $25k. If I would have remained a teacher I’d be making $70k-100k less than what I am currently making.

About $24k of this was overtime and also if you’re analyzing my taxes are a little off as I had surgery for a work-related injury and you don’t have to pay taxes on your pay while you are out.

I plan on working another 15-20 years to be able to maximize my pension at 70% of my final average salary, which when factoring in possible future promotions and contractual/cost of living raises, I anticipate to be making between $300-350k by retirement age, which would give me a pension of between $210k and 245k.

I know a lot of Reddit hates on cops, but this job has been life changing for me financially and fulfilling in ways I never imagined a job could be.

I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the various salaries shared on this sub and figured I’d throw mine in there.

Happy Holidays all!