Police Officer Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $42.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $42.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,467 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For police officers in Bridgewater, NJ, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $42.84, notably higher than the national median of $37.76. This elevated hourly rate can be particularly compelling for those considering both part-time work and per-diem opportunities within this profession. Officers working a part-time schedule, typically three days a week, may find themselves earning well while engaging in various duties such as patrolling neighborhoods, performing administrative tasks at the station, or appearing in court. The hourly compensation ranges from $26.83 for entry-level positions to $60.99 for the most seasoned officers in the area, offering a substantial livelihood that reflects the responsibilities and risks associated with law enforcement.
About the Bridgewater 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) | $26.83 | $214.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.12 | $264.99 |
| Median (P50) | $42.84 | $342.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.14 | $425.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.99 | $487.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $42.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.84/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $89,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,410. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,713.68 | $7,426 | $89,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,028.21 | $4,456 | $53,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $685.47 | $2,970 | $35,645 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Bridgewater) | $42.84 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $89,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $90,461.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.84/hr = $53,467/year (purchasing power: $46,412).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,111/year (purchasing power: $77,354).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Bridgewater grew 20.7% from $34.45/hr (2019) to $41.57/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.15/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
Engaging as a part-time officer can yield a significant income even when working just 24 hours a week, as their earnings can amount to around $53,294 annually, while full-time officers see much higher totals. For those who work per diem as they juggle agency roles or locum positions, there's a real potential for income spikes, particularly given that mandatory overtime on tasks such as court appearances can lead to a 20-50% increase in pay. Different employer types in Bridgewater impact hourly rates; for instance, municipal positions may pay differently than federal agencies like the FBI or private security firms. Officers may find themselves weighing the benefits of full-time roles, which often include comprehensive health insurance, against freelance opportunities that offer higher hourly wages without similar benefits. Navigating these choices requires understanding the trade-offs involved and effectively negotiating work terms that suit individual needs within the context of the local labor market.
More salary data for Bridgewater, 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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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