Police Officer Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $42.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Kearny, NJ runs $42.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,515 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $42.08, significantly higher than the national median of $37.76 per hour. This rate reflects the competitive landscape for law enforcement professionals in the area, allowing those on part-time schedules, such as officers working three days a week, to earn a decent wage while balancing personal commitments. In typical work settings, including patrol vehicles, police stations, and courtrooms, part-time roles and per-diem positions can vary greatly. The hourly wage range spans from $28.71 for starting officers to $62.40 for those at the upper end of the pay scale. Given Kearny's cost of living index of 115.2, these hourly rates can provide valuable insights into how compensation aligns with local economic conditions and the expectations of police work in diverse environments.
About the Kearny 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) | $28.71 | $229.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.19 | $273.48 |
| Median (P50) | $42.08 | $336.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.23 | $417.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.40 | $499.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $42.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.08/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $87,525 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,495. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,683.18 | $7,294 | $87,525 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.91 | $4,376 | $52,515 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $673.27 | $2,918 | $35,010 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Kearny) | $42.08 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $87,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $90,518.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.08/hr = $52,515/year (purchasing power: $45,586).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,525/year (purchasing power: $75,977).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Kearny grew 20.7% from $33.83/hr (2019) to $40.83/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.37/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
When considering the financial implications of working in law enforcement, part-time officers in Kearny could expect to earn approximately $41,000 annually if working 24 hours a week, which can be a feasible choice compared to full-time counterparts. The reality of per-diem police officer pay in Kearny reflects not just base pay but the potential for significant earnings through overtime and extra-duty assignments, often ranging from $35 to $75 per hour. These shifts, including court appearances and event details, can enhance overall compensation by 20-50%. Different employer types in Kearny can also influence wages; municipal departments may offer different hourly rates compared to county sheriff's offices or federal agencies. Lastly, while some choose higher hourly pay without benefits, others may find job security and healthcare in lower-paying positions advantageous. Therefore, negotiations in this field can heavily depend on personal priorities, balancing immediate financial need with long-term security.
More salary data for Kearny, 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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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