Police Officer Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $52.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Elgin, IL runs $52.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,118 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,072 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Elgin, Illinois, the police officer hourly pay is projected to be $52.94 in 2026, a notable figure when compared to the national hourly median of $37.76. This substantial disparity reflects the higher cost of living in the area and the competitive nature of law enforcement positions. For part-time officers working three days per week, this hourly rate translates to a meaningful earning potential, allowing them to maintain a decent standard of living while fulfilling roles across various settings—including patrol vehicles, police stations, and courtrooms. The hourly range for police officers in Elgin spans from $33.67 at the entry-level to $82.05 for top earners, offering a clear path for those aiming for higher positions within the department. Hourly pay estimates in this sector are derived from current annual salary data, providing a reliable metric for understanding compensation structures.
About the Elgin 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) | $33.67 | $269.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.40 | $323.20 |
| Median (P50) | $52.94 | $423.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.76 | $542.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.05 | $656.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $52.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.94/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $110,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,530. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,117.68 | $9,177 | $110,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,270.61 | $5,506 | $66,072 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $847.07 | $3,671 | $44,048 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Elgin) | $52.94 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $110,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.20% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 34.10% above the Illinois state average of $82,116.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.94/hr = $66,072/year (purchasing power: $68,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,119/year (purchasing power: $113,408).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Elgin grew 20.7% from $42.57/hr (2019) to $51.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.56/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
When considering the benefits of various employment types within law enforcement, the earning potential for part-time officers who work 24 hours a week can differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. Some positions may offer mandatory overtime for court appearances or special events, which can enhance income by 20-50% beyond the base rate. Police officers may also pursue per diem opportunities, with cash rates for off-duty assignments ranging from $35-$75 per hour. Hourly rates can vary across different employer types in the region, with municipal police positions often providing a balance between stability and benefits, whereas federal roles may offer higher pay but typically come with rigorous requirements. Ultimately, these differences create a trade-off regarding benefits versus compensation, leading some officers to choose slightly lower hourly rates for comprehensive health coverage. Negotiation strategies for hourly positions in Elgin should focus on understanding the unique benefits offered by each employer and leveraging experience to secure the most advantageous pay arrangement.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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