Police Officer Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $29.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Dothan, AL runs $29.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,605 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dothan, Alabama, police officers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $29.33, which is notably lower than the national median hourly wage of $37.76. This disparity reflects the local economic conditions, with the city offering police officer hourly rates that range from $17.58 at entry-level positions to $38.29 for the highest earners. For those who work part-time, such as officers assigned to patrol a few days a week, this hourly rate can translate to a consistent income while allowing for flexibility. In various settings, from patrol vehicles on their beats to specialized roles in court testimony or SWAT operations, the work can be both demanding and rewarding. For the per diem police officer pay in Dothan, officers may find themselves adjusting their hours based on the demands of their assignments, making hourly figures a critical consideration for financial planning based on their specific schedule.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.58 | $140.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.50 | $171.99 |
| Median (P50) | $29.33 | $234.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.56 | $236.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.29 | $306.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $29.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.33/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $61,008 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,197. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.24 | $5,084 | $61,008 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.94 | $3,050 | $36,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.29 | $2,034 | $24,403 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Dothan) | $29.33 |
| 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 Dothan, AL earn a median of $61,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.31% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.10% above the Alabama state average of $59,767.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.33/hr = $36,605/year (purchasing power: $43,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,008/year (purchasing power: $72,774).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Dothan grew 47.2% from $19.34/hr (2019) to $28.46/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.23/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 Dothan 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 Dothan
The potential earnings for part-time police officers in Dothan can vary significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. A police officer working three days a week (24 hours) might take home considerably less annually than one working full-time, which is often required due to mandatory overtime for court appearances or special operations. This overtime pay, usually calculated at 1.5 times the base hourly rate, can substantially increase earnings, adding 20-50% more to base pay. For officers who choose to engage in extra-duty assignments, such as providing security at events, they could earn between $35 and $75 per hour. Additionally, municipal pay structures differ from federal law enforcement roles, with the latter often offering more competitive rates and benefits. Officers in Dothan might find themselves negotiating for benefits like health insurance, which could justify accepting lower hourly rates if they provide greater long-term security. Being strategic during these discussions can ensure that officers make informed choices regarding their compensation packages in Dothan, AL.
More salary data for Dothan, 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 Dothan. 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