Police Officer Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $46.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Lafayette, CO runs $46.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,369 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,827 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, CO, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 stands at $46.34, significantly above the national hourly median of $37.76. This difference indicates the competitive compensation available for law enforcement professionals in this area. For part-time officers working three days a week, primarily engaging in activities like patrols, report writing, or court testimony, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income relative to the time invested. The hourly pay range in Lafayette varies widely, from $27.87 for entry-level positions to as much as $68.89 for highly experienced officers. Estimated from annual salary figures, this range showcases the potential for substantial earnings in law enforcement roles across diverse settings—including patrol vehicles, police stations, and specialized operations.
About the Lafayette 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) | $27.87 | $222.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.66 | $301.26 |
| Median (P50) | $46.34 | $370.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.51 | $460.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.89 | $551.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $46.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.34/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $96,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,603. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,853.43 | $8,032 | $96,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,112.06 | $4,819 | $57,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $741.37 | $3,213 | $38,551 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Lafayette) | $46.34 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $96,369 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.70% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $99,555.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.34/hr = $57,827/year (purchasing power: $55,073).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,378/year (purchasing power: $91,789).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Lafayette grew 20.7% from $37.26/hr (2019) to $44.96/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.75/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Exploring the financial landscape for police officers in Colorado reveals that those working part-time, for instance, a 24-hour work week, can expect a notable annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Full-time officers typically enjoy the benefits of overtime pay, which can increase their base hourly rates by 20-50% during court appearances or special assignments. Additionally, off-duty opportunities, commonly associated with agency or locum positions, add to the earnings potential, with rates often ranging from $35 to $75 per hour. The type of employer greatly influences hourly pay, as city police departments may provide different compensation compared to county sheriff's offices or federal agencies like the FBI. Officers sometimes choose lower hourly rates for the job security and health benefits offered by municipal departments over higher pay roles lacking those perks. Negotiating strategies for hourly roles can focus on presenting the value of experience and specialized training, particularly in a competitive market like Lafayette, where pay structures can reflect the disparities between urban and rural service areas.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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