Police Officer Hourly Pay in Arvada, CO: $49.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Arvada, CO runs $49.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,960 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Arvada's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the police officer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $49.02 by 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $37.76. This higher pay reflects the demands placed on officers, whether they are on regular patrol, conducting investigations, waiting in courtrooms for testimony, or involved in specialized operations such as SWAT or K-9 activities. For part-time officers working three days a week, this translates to a lucrative income while allowing flexibility outside of their law enforcement duties. Entry-level positions start at around $31.71 per hour, while seasoned officers can earn as much as $73.24 per hour, demonstrating a diverse range of earning potential within the profession in Arvada. These hourly rates stem from annual salary projections, emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial specifics of law enforcement roles.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.71 | $253.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Median (P50) | $49.02 | $392.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.27 | $498.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.24 | $585.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arvada
Based on $49.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.02/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arvada, CO can expect to earn approximately $101,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,818. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arvada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arvada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.61 | $8,496 | $101,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.37 | $5,098 | $61,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.25 | $3,398 | $40,781 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Arvada) | $49.02 |
| 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 Arvada, CO earn a median of $101,960 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.82% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $99,571.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.02/hr = $61,171/year (purchasing power: $58,258).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,952/year (purchasing power: $97,097).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Arvada grew 20.7% from $39.41/hr (2019) to $47.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.52/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 Arvada 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 Arvada
Considering part-time employment for police officers in Arvada, those working a 24-hour week could anticipate an annual income substantially lower than their full-time colleagues, making the per diem police officer pay in Arvada an appealing option for many. The constant demand for overtime in this field can significantly boost income; for court appearances or special assignments, officers often receive 1.5 times their base pay, contributing an additional 20-50% to their earnings. Furthermore, off-duty assignments like event security can sometimes pay between $35-$75 per hour, adding to a flexible earning strategy. Different employer types, from municipal police departments to federal agencies, can have varied impacts on pay scales and benefits. While some officers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates for comprehensive health coverage, others might prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. For professionals in Arvada looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market rates and potential for overtime is crucial for maximizing overall compensation.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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 Arvada. 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 Arvada 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