Police Officer Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $28.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Decatur, AL runs $28.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,319 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, police officers earn a median hourly pay of $28.30, which falls significantly below the national median of $37.76. This difference reflects the local cost of living and budget constraints faced by municipal departments. Part-time officers, for example, working three days a week in various settings—ranging from patrol vehicles to courtrooms—may find themselves earning between $19.28 and $36.80 per hour, depending on their experience and duties. With a salary range that starts at $19.28 for entry-level positions and climbs to $36.80 for top earners, the opportunities in Decatur allow for potential growth, especially for those who are willing to move into specialized units or pursue higher ranks within the department. These figures come from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, expected to capture the realities facing officers in 2026.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.28 | $154.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.13 | $193.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.30 | $226.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.64 | $285.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.80 | $294.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $28.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.30/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $58,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,960. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,132.01 | $4,905 | $58,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.21 | $2,943 | $35,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.80 | $1,962 | $23,546 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Decatur) | $28.30 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $28.13 |
| Detective / Criminal Investigator (National Avg) | $45.86 |
| Correctional Officer (National Avg) | $25.24 |
| Security Guard (National Avg) | $17.32 |
Police Officers in Decatur, AL earn a median of $58,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.05% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 1.50% below the Alabama state average of $59,764.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.30/hr = $35,319/year (purchasing power: $40,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,865/year (purchasing power: $67,496).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Decatur grew 30.8% from $20.99/hr (2019) to $27.46/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem police officers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Police Officer in Decatur
Evaluating the dynamics of part-time earnings versus full-time positions reveals intriguing insights. A police officer working part-time at 24 hours a week may take home around $35,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart who typically benefits from overtime pay, which often enhances base salaries by 20-50% during special assignments or court appearances. Additionally, per diem police officer pay in Decatur may range from $35 to $75 per hour for extra-duty assignments, highlighting a competitive edge for flexible work options. Different employer types also influence hourly wages; officers working for federal entities may see significantly higher rates compared to those in municipal divisions. Benefits often weigh heavily in negotiations—some officers might sacrifice a higher hourly rate for health insurance and retirement plans. When negotiating pay, it’s vital for hourly workers in Decatur to discuss the full compensation package, ensuring a balance of financial benefits alongside job security and health benefits that can significantly impact long-term career plans.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for police officers in Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov