Police Officer Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $30.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Columbus, MS runs $30.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,981 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $30.43, which stands in contrast to the national hourly median of $37.76. This difference highlights the unique economic circumstances in the region, particularly important for those considering part-time or per-diem roles within law enforcement. Officers working three days a week may find themselves earning less than their full-time counterparts, particularly as they engage in distinct job settings like patrol vehicles, booking rooms, and even in federal investigations. The anticipated hourly wage ranges from $19.02 for entry-level positions up to $42.10 for the highest earners in the field. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide insight into earning potential for various typical duties within the profession in Columbus.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.02 | $152.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.23 | $201.83 |
| Median (P50) | $30.43 | $243.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.32 | $298.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.10 | $336.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $30.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.43/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $63,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,520. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.34 | $5,275 | $63,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.41 | $3,165 | $37,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.94 | $2,110 | $25,321 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Columbus) | $30.43 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $63,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $67,334.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.43/hr = $37,981/year (purchasing power: $44,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,302/year (purchasing power: $73,865).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Columbus grew 20.7% from $24.47/hr (2019) to $29.53/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.36/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For part-time officers working 24 hours each week, the annual take-home pay significantly differs from those in full-time positions, emphasizing the financial realities faced by law enforcement personnel in Columbus. The nature of police work often includes mandatory overtime, particularly for courtroom appearances and extended shifts; overtime rates can add 20-50% to base pay. Moreover, off-duty assignments such as event security can yield hourly rates significantly above the base, with many officers earning between $35 and $75 per hour. Variability in hourly rates also depends on the type of employer, with shifts between municipal departments, county sheriff's offices, and federal law enforcement affecting compensation. While higher hourly rates might appeal to those without benefit packages, many officers prioritize comprehensive health and retirement plans. Effective negotiation strategies in Columbus emphasize the value of these benefits versus sheer hourly pay, making informed discussions crucial for securing the best possible employment terms in law enforcement.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Columbus in 2026?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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