Police Officer Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $53.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Pasadena, CA runs $53.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,843 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $53.56, significantly higher than the national median of $37.76. This robust hourly rate allows officers working part-time, approximately three days a week, to earn a sustainable income while balancing personal commitments. For those considering per-diem roles, the hourly pay translates into practical earnings that can be applied across various police settings, from patrolling neighborhoods to testifying in court and conducting investigations in special units. The hourly range for police officers in Pasadena extends from $33.30 for entry-level positions to $83.01 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the department.
About the Pasadena 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) | $33.30 | $266.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.29 | $330.29 |
| Median (P50) | $53.56 | $428.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.56 | $548.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.01 | $664.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $53.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.56/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,272. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,142.41 | $9,284 | $111,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,285.45 | $5,570 | $66,843 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $856.96 | $3,714 | $44,562 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Pasadena) | $53.56 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $111,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.84% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.80% above the California state average of $110,520.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.56/hr = $66,843/year (purchasing power: $59,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,405/year (purchasing power: $98,502).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Pasadena grew 20.7% from $43.06/hr (2019) to $51.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.20/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Examining part-time opportunities, an officer working a typical three-day week, averaging 24 hours, could project earnings lower than a full-time counterpart, but still brings home a commendable salary. Overtime, which often adds a significant boost, might increase earnings due to mandatory court appearances and special assignments. Agencies often offer extra-duty assignments paying between $35 and $75 per hour. However, the hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; municipal departments may pay less compared to federal agencies or specialized units. Some officers may prioritize job security, benefits, and health insurance over higher hourly rates, seeking a balance that supports their livelihood and family well-being. Negotiating hourly pay will also involve considering total compensation packages, including potential overtime opportunities and job stability that certain employers provide.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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