Police Officer Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $52.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Palmdale, CA runs $52.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palmdale, California, the projected median hourly pay for a police officer in 2026 is $52.81, significantly higher than the national median of $37.76. This competitive rate enables officers working part-time, such as three days a week, to achieve a practical financial balance while engaging in their duties from patrol vehicles, police station environments, and courtrooms. The range of hourly pay spans from $33.14 for entry-level positions to $81.86 for more experienced officers. The construction of these rates reflects insights from annual salary data, indicating that even within a structured department, earnings can vary widely based on experience and specific job assignments, including roles in special unit operations like SWAT or K-9 departments.
About the Palmdale 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) | $33.14 | $265.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.99 | $327.90 |
| Median (P50) | $52.81 | $422.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.60 | $540.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.86 | $654.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $52.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.81/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $109,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,370. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,112.32 | $9,153 | $109,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,267.39 | $5,492 | $65,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.93 | $3,661 | $43,936 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Palmdale) | $52.81 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $109,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.86% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.60% below the California state average of $110,513.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.81/hr = $65,904/year (purchasing power: $58,271).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,841/year (purchasing power: $97,118).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Palmdale grew 20.7% from $42.46/hr (2019) to $51.24/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.42/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
For those considering part-time positions, a police officer working 24 hours a week in Palmdale can expect a take-home income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, making careful budgeting essential. Additionally, the realities of per diem police officer pay in Palmdale can fluctuate based on the nature of the assignments. Mandatory overtime for court appearances or special details can enhance overall income by 20-50%, while off-duty assignments commonly offer rates between $35-$75 per hour. Furthermore, variations in hourly pay can be observed across different employer types, from municipal police departments to federal law enforcement agencies. Officers may accept lower hourly wages for the benefits offered, such as health insurance, which is crucial for long-term viability. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding these dynamics can lead to more informed decisions and better compensation outcomes in the Palmdale region.
More salary data for Palmdale, 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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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