Police Officer Hourly Pay in Manchester, NJ: $41.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Manchester, NJ runs $41.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, NJ, police officers receive a competitive median hourly pay of $41.90, which surpasses the national median of $37.76. This figure reflects the local demand for law enforcement personnel and the associated cost of living in the area. For part-time officers working three days a week, this translates to earning approximately $1,338 per week, making it an ideal role for those seeking flexible employment while fully engaging in various law enforcement tasks like patrol duties, report writing, and court testimony. The hourly wage can vary significantly, ranging from $28.17 for entry-level positions to as high as $63.41 for experienced officers holding specialized roles or higher ranks within the department. Such a broad range illustrates the potential for upward mobility within the policing career in Manchester.
About the Manchester 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) | $28.17 | $225.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.82 | $270.59 |
| Median (P50) | $41.90 | $335.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.79 | $414.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.41 | $507.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $41.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.90/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NJ can expect to earn approximately $87,161 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,285. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,676.17 | $7,263 | $87,161 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,005.70 | $4,358 | $52,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $670.47 | $2,905 | $34,864 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Manchester) | $41.90 |
| 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 Manchester, NJ earn a median of $87,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $90,515.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.90/hr = $52,296/year (purchasing power: $45,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,161/year (purchasing power: $75,660).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Manchester grew 20.7% from $33.69/hr (2019) to $40.66/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.19/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
The potential for earnings within Manchester's law enforcement sector is particularly compelling when considering part-time and per-diem positions. For an officer working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay might approach $69,536, significantly lower than a full-time officer's pay. Furthermore, many departments in the area rely on mandatory overtime, where officers can receive time-and-a-half for additional court appearances or special assignments—often enhancing their hourly pay by 20-50%. Part-time officers might also engage in off-duty jobs, with pay rates ranging from $35 to $75 per hour for event security and other extra-duty gigs. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types, such as municipal and federal law enforcement agencies, reflects a broader discrepancy in benefits. Officers may choose a lower hourly rate in return for comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans. For those negotiating their hourly pay, it’s essential to assess not just base rates but also the overall compensation package, including benefits and job security offered by the department.
More salary data for Manchester, 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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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