Police Officer Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $53.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Buena Park, CA runs $53.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,955 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, police officers earn a median hourly rate of $53.83, which significantly exceeds the national median of $37.76. This competitive pay scale reflects the city's cost of living, providing a robust foundation for both full-time and part-time officers. For those working part-time, such as in a typical 3-day work week scenario, this hourly rate translates into a considerable earning potential. Per-diem opportunities are available as well, allowing officers to work various assignments across settings, from patrolling vehicles and booking rooms to special operations and court testimonies. The hourly wages range widely from about $33.58 for entry-level positions to approximately $79.83 for the most experienced officers, indicating ample room for advancement and specialization within the force.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.58 | $268.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.48 | $331.85 |
| Median (P50) | $53.83 | $430.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.29 | $546.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.83 | $638.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $53.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.83/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,594. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,153.13 | $9,330 | $111,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,291.88 | $5,598 | $67,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $861.25 | $3,732 | $44,785 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Buena Park) | $53.83 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $111,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.54% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.30% above the California state average of $110,518.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.83/hr = $67,178/year (purchasing power: $59,397).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,963/year (purchasing power: $98,994).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Buena Park grew 20.7% from $43.28/hr (2019) to $52.23/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.48/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
When considering part-time positions, a Buena Park officer working 24 hours a week could potentially earn a substantial salary based on their hours worked, which underscores the viability of flexible employment models in law enforcement. Per diem roles provide even more financial flexibility; department policies on overtime mean that additional work—covering court appearances or special details—can augment an officer's income by 20-50%. In Buena Park, pay scales can vary considerably across police departments, with municipal roles often attracting different remuneration compared to federal and state positions. Many officers may choose the stability of a lower hourly rate with benefits over the higher cash pay that lacks such protection. For those negotiating hourly pay in Buena Park, understanding local employer dynamics and benefits offerings can create advantageous scenarios, making it essential to weigh compensation packages that align with personal financial goals while considering time flexibility in their career as well.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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