Police Officer Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $39.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Salem, NH runs $39.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,241 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,338 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, police officers earn a median hourly pay of $39.53, surpassing the national median of $37.76. This competitive rate can significantly impact those working part-time or per diem, as it reflects the variety of tasks officers undertake—be it patrolling neighborhoods, writing reports at the station, or providing testimony in court. For officers on a part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a stable income while affording flexibility in their work life. The hourly compensation for police officers in Salem ranges from $24.28 for entry-level positions to $56.89 for those at the top of their field, thus allowing a clear pathway for career progression within this vital sector based on experience and specialized training.
About the Salem 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) | $24.28 | $194.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.13 | $241.08 |
| Median (P50) | $39.53 | $316.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.50 | $396.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.89 | $455.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $39.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.53/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $82,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,441. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,581.35 | $6,853 | $82,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.81 | $4,112 | $49,338 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.54 | $2,741 | $32,892 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Salem) | $39.53 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $82,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $84,263.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.53/hr = $49,338/year (purchasing power: $45,982).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,230/year (purchasing power: $76,636).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Salem grew 20.7% from $31.79/hr (2019) to $38.36/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.74/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 Salem 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 Salem
Analysing the financial landscape for part-time officers, those working 24 hours a week can expect to take home a considerably reduced annual income compared to full-time colleagues, but still enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career on a flexible schedule. Moreover, the reality of per diem police officer pay in Salem often involves stepping into roles requiring mandatory overtime, which can enhance earnings by 20-50%. Many officers take on off-duty assignments that offer cash payments from $35 to $75 per hour, providing significant supplemental income. Employment types influence these dynamics; municipal police departments typically offer more stable hours, while federal roles may present greater earning potential, albeit with added demands. Officers must weigh the trade-offs between steady benefits and higher hourly rates that may lack comprehensive healthcare plans, especially when negotiating their pay. Practical tips for those in hourly positions include understanding sector-specific pay scales and making informed choices about overtime opportunities to maximize their take-home pay.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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