Police Officer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $47.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Lakewood, CO runs $47.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,795 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $47.91, significantly surpassing the national median of $37.76. This favorable hourly rate allows for substantial earnings potential, particularly for part-time and per-diem roles commonly found within the department. Officers working three days a week can still earn considerable wages while balancing other commitments. Potential police work settings include patrolling assigned beats, operating in booking and report-writing areas, and participating in court testimony or special unit operations like SWAT or K-9 activities. The hourly earnings for police officers in Lakewood range from $30.64 for entry-level positions up to $74.22 for more experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse needs and expertise within the workforce.
About the Lakewood 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) | $30.64 | $245.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.59 | $300.69 |
| Median (P50) | $47.91 | $383.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.32 | $490.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.22 | $593.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $47.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.91/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $99,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,495. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,916.50 | $8,305 | $99,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,149.90 | $4,983 | $59,795 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $766.60 | $3,322 | $39,863 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Lakewood) | $47.91 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $99,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.88% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $99,551.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.91/hr = $59,795/year (purchasing power: $56,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,658/year (purchasing power: $94,913).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Lakewood grew 20.7% from $38.52/hr (2019) to $46.49/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.38/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Exploring the hourly earning potential reveals that officers working part-time for 24 hours a week can significantly impact their take-home pay versus those working full-time. While many police officers receive a salary that may include mandatory overtime—often boosting earnings by 20-50% with enhanced rates for court or special assignments—per-diem roles can also offer flexibility and competitive compensation. Off-duty assignments such as event security frequently pay between $35 and $75 per hour, which can supplement income for those on agency rolls. The diversity of hourly rates across different employment types in Lakewood, from municipal police departments to federal agencies, influences financial decisions for officers. Benefits such as health insurance may make lower hourly jobs attractive, while higher-paying contract work may lack such perks. For those in negotiation for police officer hourly pay in Lakewood, understanding the full compensation package, including benefits and job security, can empower better decision-making regarding employment options.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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