Police Officer Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $49.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Aurora, CO runs $49.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is estimated to be $49.42, significantly surpassing the national median of $37.76 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the city's commitment to adequate compensation for law enforcement professionals, enabling a solid standard of living for those who serve their community. For part-time officers working three days a week, typically 24 hours, the earnings can be substantial, often seen in various settings like patrol vehicles, booking rooms, or even during court testimonies. The hourly range for police officers in Aurora extends from $29.74 at the lower end to $76.59 for more experienced personnel, indicating a vibrant spectrum of earnings based on experience and responsibilities. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, showcasing a robust financial opportunity for dedicated law enforcement professionals.
About the Aurora 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) | $29.74 | $237.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.46 | $299.70 |
| Median (P50) | $49.42 | $395.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.25 | $505.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.59 | $612.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $49.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.42/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $102,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,301. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,976.69 | $8,566 | $102,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,186.01 | $5,139 | $61,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $790.68 | $3,426 | $41,115 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Aurora) | $49.42 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $102,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.86% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.20% above the Colorado state average of $99,596.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.42/hr = $61,673/year (purchasing power: $58,736).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,788/year (purchasing power: $97,893).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Aurora grew 20.7% from $39.73/hr (2019) to $47.95/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.93/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
Focusing on part-time work, a police officer who commits to a 24-hour schedule each week in Aurora can expect a take-home income that significantly differs from full-time counterparts. Furthermore, additional opportunities for earning arise through per-diem assignments, where officers can capitalize on specialized roles, often attracting pay rates surpassing $35-$75 per hour. Overtime pay can also substantially enhance overall earnings, especially with court appearances or shifts that extend beyond the standard timeline, which may add 20-50% to the base hourly wage. The type of agency affects pay rates, with municipal and county law enforcement typically offering different compensation structures compared to federal offices. Officers might weigh the benefits of job stability, such as health insurance, against potentially higher hourly rates available in private security roles. For those looking for negotiation strategies in Aurora, understanding the ins and outs of compensation packages—especially those offering overtime and benefits—can be essential for achieving desired financial outcomes in this field.
More salary data for Aurora, 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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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