Police Officer Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $30.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Hernando, MS runs $30.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,020 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hernando, Mississippi, police officers earn a median hourly rate of $30.46, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $37.76. This rate reflects the unique economic climate of the region and positions Hernando's officers on a different pay scale compared to their counterparts in larger urban centers, where compensation tends to be significantly higher. For part-time officers working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,700 monthly or about $20,800 annually, primarily covering duties like patrolling assigned beats, responding to calls, and engaging in community policing. Those who choose to work per-diem may find themselves focusing on overtime shifts, banked hours for court appearances, or special unit operations, which can heighten their hourly pay experience. However, the range for police officer pay in Hernando varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $18.97 per hour and the most experienced officers potentially earning up to $44.11 hourly.
About the Hernando 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) | $18.97 | $151.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.61 | $196.89 |
| Median (P50) | $30.46 | $243.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.11 | $352.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando
Based on $30.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.46/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $63,366 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,557. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hernando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.58 | $5,281 | $63,366 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.15 | $3,168 | $38,020 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.43 | $2,112 | $25,346 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Hernando) | $30.46 |
| 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 Hernando, MS earn a median of $63,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $67,338.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.46/hr = $38,020/year (purchasing power: $44,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,366/year (purchasing power: $73,940).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Hernando grew 20.7% from $24.49/hr (2019) to $29.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.40/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 Hernando 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 Hernando
Taking into consideration the overall financial landscape for law enforcement in Hernando, part-time officers' annual earnings are modest compared to full-timers, who may benefit from added bonuses and mandatory overtime that can inflate their earnings considerably. Working full-time, officers could see their total compensation enhanced through overtime pay of 1.5x for court appearances or event participation, effectively adding 20-50% to their base pay. On-duty police work in Hernando often varies between the municipal department and other law enforcement agencies, each offering distinct salary possibilities. For veterans transitioning to different sectors or entering private corporate security, the hourly rate for off-duty assignments can reach $35 to $75 depending on the nature of the work. Furthermore, police officers must consider the balance of higher hourly rates against the value of health benefits and retirement plans, which can heavily influence salary negotiations. Effective strategies for negotiating pay include emphasizing training certifications, years of service, and experience with community engagement initiatives.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
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 Hernando. 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 Hernando 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