Police Officer Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CT: $40.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Fairfield, CT runs $40.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,767 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,264 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fairfield, Connecticut, the police officer hourly pay stands at a median of $40.28, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $37.76. This competitive pay scale reflects the increasing costs associated with living in the region, as well as the demands of the job, which can involve diverse settings such as patrol vehicles, booking areas, and courtroom appearances. For part-time or per-diem officers who typically work three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a stable earning capacity, especially when they engage in various roles ranging from primary patrol duties to specialized operations like SWAT. With hourly earnings stretching from $26.38 for entry-level positions to $62.42 for top earners, police officer hourly rates in Fairfield demonstrate a significant opportunity for both new recruits and experienced professionals looking to maximize their compensation.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.38 | $211.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.02 | $256.17 |
| Median (P50) | $40.28 | $322.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.57 | $404.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.42 | $499.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $40.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.28/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CT can expect to earn approximately $83,774 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,331. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.03 | $6,981 | $83,774 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.62 | $4,189 | $50,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.41 | $2,792 | $33,510 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Fairfield) | $40.28 |
| 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 Fairfield, CT earn a median of $83,767 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.70% below the Connecticut state average of $85,216.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.28/hr = $50,264/year (purchasing power: $46,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,774/year (purchasing power: $77,640).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Fairfield grew 20.7% from $32.38/hr (2019) to $39.08/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.51/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Evaluating the earning potential of part-time, per-diem, or agency officers in Fairfield reveals a nuanced picture of police work in 2026. A police officer working just three days a week (24 hours) could expect earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, often totaling around $51,270 annually. Conversely, full-time officers can augment their base pay through mandatory overtime, particularly for special duties, resulting in potential earnings increases of 20-50% when these factors are considered. Off-duty assignments, often providing $35 to $75 per hour, may also supplement their income. Variations in hourly rates across different employer types, such as municipal departments versus federal agencies, highlight the importance of knowing where best to position oneself. Often, officers might choose lower-paying municipal jobs for the benefits package, but a higher hourly rate can signal substantial trade-offs in health insurance and retirement benefits. Moreover, for those negotiating hourly rates, understanding local market conditions can aid officers in securing compensation that aligns with both their skills and the expected demands in Fairfield.
More salary data for Fairfield, CT:
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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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