Police Officer Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, NH: $38.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Portsmouth, NH runs $38.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,515 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, NH, the police officer hourly pay is projected to be $38.87 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $37.76 per hour by approximately 2.96%. This competitive rate reflects the city’s higher cost of living index, estimated at 107.3, meaning part-time officers, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn a substantial amount while dividing their time among various duties in diverse environments. Whether patrolling neighborhoods in marked vehicles, preparing reports in booking and station rooms, or providing expertise in court proceedings, officers in Portsmouth will find a range of opportunities that command varying pay scales. Entry-level officers might earn as little as $25.61 per hour, while seasoned officers can achieve as much as $53.92, illustrating the career advancement potential in law enforcement.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $25.61 | $204.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.80 | $246.44 |
| Median (P50) | $38.87 | $310.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.74 | $381.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.92 | $431.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $38.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.87/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, NH can expect to earn approximately $80,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,649. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,554.97 | $6,738 | $80,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $932.98 | $4,043 | $48,515 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $621.99 | $2,695 | $32,343 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Portsmouth) | $38.87 |
| 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 Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $80,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $84,232.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.87/hr = $48,515/year (purchasing power: $45,214).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,858/year (purchasing power: $75,357).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Portsmouth grew 40.6% from $26.83/hr (2019) to $37.72/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.06/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Focusing on part-time positions, an officer working 24 hours over three days a week may see significant annual earnings, but this pale in comparison to full-time roles where additional benefits play an essential role in overall compensation. Per diem police officer pay in Portsmouth, which includes working on an as-needed basis with varied hourly rates often between $35-$75, tends to fluctuate depending on departmental needs and off-duty assignments. Many officers supplement their income through mandatory overtime and numerous special details, adding 20-50% to their base hourly rates. Hourly pay can also vary between different employer types, such as municipal police departments versus federal agencies, highlighting how funds can be allocated for different areas of law enforcement work. Some officers may opt for lower hourly rates with the benefit of health insurance coverage, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. With negotiation being paramount in securing the best pay, officers should remain up-to-date on what their counterparts earn across neighboring regions to leverage their positions effectively.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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