Police Officer Hourly Pay in Meridian, MS: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Meridian, MS runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,290 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Among police officers in Meridian, Mississippi, the projected median hourly pay for 2026 is $30.68, significantly lower than the national median of $37.76. This figure reflects not only the pay scale typical for law enforcement roles within the city but also highlights the earning dynamics for both full-time officers and part-time or per-diem workers. In a department setting, officers often operate on assigned beats, conduct investigations, or respond to calls, making their hourly pay vital for budgeting living expenses. The hourly rate ranges from $19.92 for entry-level positions up to $44.32 for the most experienced officers, illustrating a broad spectrum of pay that can cater to various career stages and levels of expertise.
About the Meridian 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) | $19.92 | $159.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.17 | $193.34 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.51 | $308.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.32 | $354.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, MS can expect to earn approximately $63,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,817. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.24 | $5,318 | $63,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.34 | $3,191 | $38,290 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.90 | $2,127 | $25,527 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Meridian) | $30.68 |
| 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 Meridian, MS earn a median of $63,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $67,311.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,290/year (purchasing power: $44,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,816/year (purchasing power: $74,465).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Meridian grew 20.7% from $24.67/hr (2019) to $29.77/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.62/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 Meridian 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 Meridian
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time officers, a 24-hour work week structured over three days can yield significantly lower annual income compared to full-time counterparts, demonstrating the financial trade-offs of part-time employment. While per-diem police officer pay in Meridian can lead to flexible work hours, the nature of police work often compels officers to engage in mandatory overtime for critical duties like court appearances or special assignments, which can boost base earnings by 20-50%. The opportunity for off-duty or extra-duty assignments, where payments often reach $35-$75 per hour, can supplement income significantly. Furthermore, officers face a choice between benefits and hourly wages; higher hourly rates may come with the absence of health insurance, while lower rates provide essential coverage. Understanding the varied compensation models across different law enforcement roles, from local municipal departments to federal agencies, can better position prospective officers in Meridian to make informed career decisions and effectively negotiate their pay.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 Meridian. 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 Meridian 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