Police Officer Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $41.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Wheaton, MD runs $41.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,835 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Maryland, police officer hourly pay stands at a median of $41.27, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $37.76. This competitive rate reflects the cost-of-living index in the area, which is above the national average. For part-time police officers working three days a week, this translates to earnings of approximately $31,600 annually, a sizable contribution to their overall financial situation. Additionally, the hourly range for officers in Wheaton extends from $24.88 at entry-level positions to $61.64 for the most experienced officers, capturing a broad spectrum of pay that accommodates various skill levels and assignments. Typical work settings can vary widely—from patrolling assigned beats and booking suspects at police stations to conducting investigations in plainclothes or providing testimony in court, showcasing the diverse responsibilities these professionals undertake.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.88 | $199.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.17 | $249.32 |
| Median (P50) | $41.27 | $330.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.61 | $420.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.64 | $493.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $41.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.27/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $85,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,518. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,650.61 | $7,153 | $85,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.37 | $4,292 | $51,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.24 | $2,861 | $34,333 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Wheaton) | $41.27 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $85,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $78,542.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.27/hr = $51,499/year (purchasing power: $47,117).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,832/year (purchasing power: $78,529).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Wheaton grew 20.7% from $33.18/hr (2019) to $40.04/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.53/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
For those exploring part-time or per diem police officer pay in Wheaton, it's crucial to consider how these figures interact with the realities of police work. A full-time officer may regularly take home an annual salary amplified by mandatory overtime, which often adds 20-50% to their base pay, especially for court appearances and special assignments. In contrast, part-time officers typically have less access to overtime benefits, affecting their total earnings. Additionally, various employer types can influence hourly rates significantly: municipal departments, state police, and federal positions may present different compensation packages and benefit options, which Officers must evaluate based on individual career goals. For those transitioning into part-time roles, understanding the trade-off between hourly pay and health insurance benefits is essential, as many officers might prioritize job security and coverage over immediate hourly gains. Negotiation can also play a vital role, particularly when discussing per diem assignments or extra-duty options, as understanding the local market can empower officers to optimize their earning potential in Wheaton.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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