Police Officer Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $42.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Berkeley, NJ runs $42.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,640 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,184 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, NJ, the projected **police officer hourly pay** for 2026 stands at **$42.62/hr**, which is notably higher than the national median **hourly rate of $37.76/hr**. This competitive pay reflects the demand for police services in diverse environments, from patrol duties to court appearances. For part-time officers working three days a week, such as those in patrol vehicles or special units like K-9 operations, this hourly rate can provide a substantial income relative to their hours on duty. The **hourly range** for police officers in Berkeley spans from **$26.31** at the P10 to **$64.37** at the P90 segment, showcasing the earning potential varying significantly based on experience and rank. Given that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual estimates, they serve as critical benchmarks for those considering a shift to this rewarding line of work within Berkeley and beyond.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.31 | $210.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.68 | $261.44 |
| Median (P50) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.59 | $420.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.37 | $514.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $42.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.62/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $88,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,138. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,704.61 | $7,387 | $88,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,022.77 | $4,432 | $53,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $681.84 | $2,955 | $35,456 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Berkeley) | $42.62 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $88,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $90,449.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.62/hr = $53,184/year (purchasing power: $46,167).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,640/year (purchasing power: $76,944).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Berkeley grew 20.7% from $34.26/hr (2019) to $41.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.92/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Considering the financial implications of part-time and per-diem roles within law enforcement, officers working a typical 24-hour week could take home an estimated income without benefits, leading to a markedly different financial picture than that of full-time officers who typically adhere to a 40-hour work week. Overtime pay is often available for officers required to attend court or participate in special details, which can increase overall compensation significantly, sometimes adding 20-50% to their base income. Additionally, competitive positions can be found across various types of law enforcement agencies in the area, each with its own pay structure — from municipal police departments to federal agencies. Officers might choose lower hourly wages in exchange for reliable health insurance, while others may seek higher hourly rates in contract or agency work, such as **per diem police officer pay in Berkeley**, for greater flexibility. For professionals in the field, mastering negotiation tactics specific to hourly contracts can enhance not only one’s immediate earnings but also long-term career satisfaction in this dynamic environment.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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