Police Officer Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $37.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $37.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,907 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Crystal Lake, police officers earn a median hourly pay of $37.59, which is slightly below the national median of $37.76. This pay rate is relevant for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, often involving duties like patrolling assigned beats, report writing at the station, or engaging in court-related activities. Officers can expect to earn between $24.71 and $56.04 hourly depending on their experience and specific roles, providing a clear picture of the pay scale as they advance in their careers. This range illustrates the potential for entry-level positions to grow into more lucrative opportunities as officers gain experience and take on additional responsibilities.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.71 | $197.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.82 | $238.52 |
| Median (P50) | $37.59 | $300.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.11 | $384.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.04 | $448.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $37.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.59/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $78,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,103. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,503.44 | $6,515 | $78,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.06 | $3,909 | $46,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.38 | $2,606 | $31,272 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Crystal Lake) | $37.59 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $78,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.46% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $82,121.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.59/hr = $46,907/year (purchasing power: $48,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,179/year (purchasing power: $80,514).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Crystal Lake grew 20.7% from $30.22/hr (2019) to $36.47/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.74/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
For part-time officers working three days a week, approximately 24 hours weekly, annual earnings can significantly differ compared to full-time counterparts, especially when considering overtime and specialty assignments. Often, overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate is applicable for court duties, special operations, and shift extensions, enhancing yearly income by 20-50%. Furthermore, opportunities for extra-duty assignments, such as security for events or construction sites, may yield pay ranging from $35 to $75 per hour. The specific employer type can also influence pay; while municipal departments generally follow a structured pay scale, federal agencies like the FBI or DEA offer higher compensation levels. Choosing between benefits and hourly rates is a common consideration, as some officers may accept a lower hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance coverage. For navigating negotiations in Crystal Lake, it's crucial to research departmental pay scales and be prepared to discuss your training, experience, and the benefits of your service.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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