Police Officer Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $53.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Santa Monica, CA runs $53.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,737 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, CA, the police officer hourly pay reaches a median of $53.71, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $37.76. This advantageous rate is particularly beneficial for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, where working three days a week could lead to substantial earnings while balancing other commitments. Typical environments for these roles include patrol vehicles, police station report-writing, and even court appearances, where officers focus on fulfilling their duties in a variety of settings. Hourly compensation in Santa Monica ranges from about $33.28 for entry-level positions to $79.31 for more seasoned officers, reflecting both the experience and the increasing demand for law enforcement professionals in urban settings. These estimated hourly rates are derived from broader annual salary figures, which serve as a benchmark for potential recruits.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $33.28 | $266.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.28 | $330.20 |
| Median (P50) | $53.71 | $429.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.06 | $544.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.31 | $634.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $53.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.71/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $111,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,458. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,148.59 | $9,311 | $111,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,289.16 | $5,586 | $67,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $859.44 | $3,724 | $44,691 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Santa Monica) | $53.71 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $111,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 42.26% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.10% above the California state average of $110,521.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.71/hr = $67,036/year (purchasing power: $59,272).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,727/year (purchasing power: $98,786).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Santa Monica grew 20.7% from $43.19/hr (2019) to $52.12/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.36/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Exploring the earning potential for part-time officers in Santa Monica, those working a 24-hour week can expect to take home an impressive amount yearly, even when compared to their full-time counterparts. Given mandatory overtime practices in many departments, such as for court testimony or special assignments, officers can often increase their income by 20-50% on top of their base pay, making this career choice financially rewarding. Furthermore, extra-duty assignments—where officers work events outside their regular schedules—can pay between $35 and $75 an hour, adding a layer of versatility and income potential that many find appealing. Different employer types, including municipal police departments and federal agencies, contribute to the variance in pay; while federal law enforcement typically offers more stability and higher pay, municipal roles often focus on community engagement with slightly less financial reward. Ultimately, some officers may prefer the security of municipal benefits even if it means opting for a lower hourly pay compared to the potential for higher income without benefits in other roles. For those negotiating hourly wages, understanding the local salary benchmarks and the trade-offs between pay and benefits can play a significant role in securing a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Santa Monica in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Santa Monica?
Are police officers in Santa Monica paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Santa Monica?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Monica?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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