How much would your job need to pay for you to move to Alaska? If you're a police officer from Minnesota, the magic number sits somewhere between $74,000 and $104,000 a year - at least that's what Anchorage Police Department recruiters are hoping.
Due to severe staff shortages, the Anchorage Police Department is lobbying Minnesota and Michigan police officers to embrace their pioneer spirit, brave the cold and relocate to America's last frontier. Sgt. Mike Couturier, head of Anchorage's recruiting effort, said Anchorage, with 280,000 inhabitant, is looking to add another 20 officers by the end of the year to add to its 390 officer staff.
According to the Star Tribune, "Anchorage recruiters say that a rookie officer's average pay (with
overtime) in 2007 was nearly $74,000. For a 10-year veteran it was
nearly $104,000. They are also dangling as incentives more than five
weeks of annual leave, four weeks of sick leave 'and squad cars to take
home.'"
But don't forget to tax perks! Alaska has no state, sales or
income taxes and citizens of the state receive annual subsidy for putting up with the weather. Last year that subsidy amounted to $1,654 for every person in the state. And it's not like living costs are anywhere close to Manhattan, San Francisco, or Boston; in Anchorage, a six figure salary goes a long way.
So if you're a cop, you may want to consider replacing those shiny shoes with a fresh pair of boots and heading for the snow hills of Alaska. If you hurry, you'll get there just before winter begins...next month.
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