Police Officer Hourly Pay in Dover, NH: $39.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Dover, NH runs $39.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,888 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dover, New Hampshire, police officers earn a median hourly pay of $39.17, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $37.76. This competitive hourly rate can be appealing for part-time officers, typically working three days a week, as it offers substantial earnings while accommodating personal schedules. Those engaged in per diem work can find themselves in various situations—from patrolling assigned beats and conducting interviews in plainclothes to participating in SWAT operations and providing courtroom testimony. The hourly pay scale ranges from $26.73 for entry-level roles to $55.67 for top earners, reflecting the career progression and experience within the department. These estimates are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, showcasing the financial viability of police work in Dover.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.73 | $213.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.80 | $254.43 |
| Median (P50) | $39.17 | $313.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.64 | $389.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.67 | $445.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $39.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.17/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, NH can expect to earn approximately $81,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,008. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,566.92 | $6,790 | $81,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.15 | $4,074 | $48,888 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.77 | $2,716 | $32,592 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Dover) | $39.17 |
| 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 Dover, NH earn a median of $81,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $84,269.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.17/hr = $48,888/year (purchasing power: $45,562).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,480/year (purchasing power: $75,937).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Dover grew 45.1% from $26.19/hr (2019) to $38.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.37/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 Dover 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 Dover
An officer working part-time for 24 hours a week at the 2026 hourly rate would earn about $61,562 annually, which presents a decent income but is significantly less than a full-time officer's potential. Full-time officers benefit not just from their base pay, but they often earn overtime pay at 1.5 times their rates for duties such as court appearances and special assignments, which can increase earnings by 20-50%. Many find themselves working extra-duty events, earning cash rates between $35 and $75 per hour, supplementing their income effectively. Different types of employers influence hourly rates significantly across Dover, with municipal departments typically offering more stable positions compared to potential options in federal agencies, state police, and private sectors. Some officers opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, trading immediate financial returns for long-term security. Understanding these dynamics can help officers negotiate better terms for their hourly work while considering the unique economic landscape in Dover, NH.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
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 Dover. 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 Dover 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