Police Officer Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $26.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in North Little Rock, AR runs $26.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $26.77, significantly lower than the national median of $37.76. This disparity highlights the financial reality faced by local law enforcement officers, especially for those working part-time, typically on a 24-hour weekly schedule. Part-time officers may find themselves earning less than their full-time counterparts due to the demand for complete coverage and the mandatory nature of overtime work. The hourly pay range extends from $17.12 for entry-level positions reaching up to $41.34 for experienced officers across various settings, including patrols, court appearances, and specialized unit operations. For per diem police officer pay in North Little Rock, the competitive nature of the job means that achieving higher earnings could potentially require additional shifts or accepting roles with less predictable hours.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($45,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.12 | $136.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.02 | $168.19 |
| Median (P50) | $26.77 | $214.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.27 | $274.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.34 | $330.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $26.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.77/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $55,692 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,130. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.00 | $4,641 | $55,692 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.60 | $2,785 | $33,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.40 | $1,856 | $22,277 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (North Little Rock) | $26.77 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $55,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.10% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.80% above the Arkansas state average of $52,632.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.77/hr = $33,415/year (purchasing power: $38,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,692/year (purchasing power: $64,087).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in North Little Rock grew 20.7% from $21.53/hr (2019) to $25.98/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.59/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Considering the financial implications, part-time police officers in North Little Rock can expect a different earning trajectory compared to full-timers. A 3-day workweek translates to significantly lower annual earnings, which may not afford the same benefits and job security as a full-time role. In addition to their base pay, salaried officers often qualify for overtime at 1.5 times their hourly wages for court appearances and required extra duties, which can inflate overall earnings by as much as 50%. Job variety is available through numerous employer types, including municipal departments, state police, and federal law enforcement, each offering different pay scales and additional benefits. While some officers may choose to accept the stability of public positions with lower hourly pay, others might prefer roles that offer higher wage flexibility without extensive benefits. Practical negotiation skills can prove advantageous for hourly workers; understanding the market and knowing when to advocate for better pay can make a significant difference in North Little Rock's law enforcement landscape.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
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 North Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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