Police Officer Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $36.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $36.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, Michigan, police officers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $36.81 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $37.76. For officers working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a practical earning potential that can accommodate various roles, including patrol duties, booking at the police station, and essential court-related tasks. Those entering the force may find hourly pay starting around $21.82, while seasoned professionals and specialized units could see their earnings rise to about $57.06 per hour. This range reflects the diverse nature of police work and the responsibilities that come with differing levels of experience and specialized training, often estimated based on annual salary data.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.82 | $174.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.57 | $220.55 |
| Median (P50) | $36.81 | $294.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.63 | $373.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.06 | $456.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $36.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.81/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $76,571 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,176. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,472.52 | $6,381 | $76,571 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.51 | $3,829 | $45,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.01 | $2,552 | $30,628 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Sterling Heights) | $36.81 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $76,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.50% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $75,004.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.81/hr = $45,943/year (purchasing power: $49,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,571/year (purchasing power: $82,158).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Sterling Heights grew 20.7% from $29.60/hr (2019) to $35.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.94/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Part-time officers in Sterling Heights, working 24 hours a week, would take home about $28,288 annually, starkly contrasted with full-time counterparts, who can expect more substantial benefits along with their salaries. The nature of police compensation often includes mandatory overtime, which can significantly augment base pay. Overtime rates can reach 1.5 times the base pay for court appearances and special assignments, adding a substantial increase that may be greater than 50% of their standard pay. Various sectors influence hourly wages, with municipal departments often paying less than federal agencies, such as the FBI. Officers may negotiate their hourly rates based on available benefits; some may prefer the stability of health insurance over higher base pay without such perks. Engaging in extra-duty assignments also provides opportunities for additional income, ranging from $35 to $75 per hour, diversifying the overall earning potential in this profession.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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