Police Officer Hourly Pay in South Brunswick, NJ: $42.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in South Brunswick, NJ runs $42.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,647 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against South Brunswick'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 South Brunswick, New Jersey, the police officer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $42.62, which is notably higher than the national median of $37.76. This rate reflects the vigorous demands placed on police officers, especially when considering part-time shifts, such as a 3-day workweek. Typically, these officers may find themselves stationed in patrol vehicles on their assigned beats, managing tasks from report writing in police stations to providing testimony in court. For those working part-time or per-diem, this median translates into a more flexible earning capability, fitting various roles including special operations assignments and detective work. The hourly pay range, from $26.50 for entry-level positions to $64.38 for top earners, demonstrates the growth potential within this profession, influenced by experience and specialized training.
About the South Brunswick 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) | $26.50 | $211.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.68 | $261.44 |
| Median (P50) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.60 | $420.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.38 | $515.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Brunswick
Based on $42.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.62/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Brunswick, 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 South Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Brunswick
| 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 (South Brunswick) | $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 South Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $88,647 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.87% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $90,456.
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 South Brunswick (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 South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick
When examining part-time earning potential, those working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $53,025 annually, significantly less than full-time officers. However, opportunities for additional income exist through mandatory overtime for court appearances and extended shifts, often boosting their overall earnings by 20-50%. Per diem police officer pay in South Brunswick may also feature extra-duty assignments, which can yield rates between $35 and $75 per hour, providing critical financial flexibilities. Moreover, salaries can differ based on the type of police service, with municipal departments typically offering competitive pay compared to county or federal agencies. Officers must often navigate the benefits trade-off, balancing lower hourly rates with comprehensive health insurance coverage against higher hourly wages without such perks. Tailoring negotiations to highlight experience and specialized skills can enhance hourly compensation in this dynamic job market where departmental budgets also play a significant role.
More salary data for South Brunswick, 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 South Brunswick. 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 South Brunswick 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