Police Officer Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $36.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Cortland, NY runs $36.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the median hourly rate for police officers in Cortland, New York, is projected at $36.29. This figure is slightly below the national median of $37.76 per hour, reflecting the unique economic dynamics within the state. For part-time officers working three days a week, this translates to a modest but steady income, allowing for flexibility and the potential to balance other commitments. Workers in this role may find themselves engaged in various activities, from patrolling assigned beats to testifying in court or participating in special unit operations. The hourly wages for police officers in Cortland range from $24.49 at the lower end to $51.05 for higher-earning roles, providing a clear picture of the pay structure within the profession.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.49 | $195.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.15 | $233.16 |
| Median (P50) | $36.29 | $290.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.69 | $365.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.05 | $408.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $36.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.29/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $75,478 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,545. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,451.50 | $6,290 | $75,478 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.90 | $3,774 | $45,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.60 | $2,516 | $30,191 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Cortland) | $36.29 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $75,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.90% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $81,955.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.29/hr = $45,287/year (purchasing power: $39,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,478/year (purchasing power: $65,123).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Cortland grew 20.7% from $29.18/hr (2019) to $35.21/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.40/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
When considering the financial ramifications of working part-time or as a per diem officer in Cortland, the comparison becomes compelling. An officer working 24 hours a week at the median rate would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet their income can be supplemented through court appearances or extra-duty assignments, which often pay between $35 and $75 per hour. While many officers appreciate the stability of salaried work, they may also feel the pressure of mandatory overtime, which can substantially boost their earnings—sometimes by 20-50%. Different employer types present varied pay scales; municipal departments may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits like health insurance. In contrast, some officers choose agencies where they might earn less per hour but may take home more overall due to enhanced benefits. Negotiation for these roles should account for both rate and benefits, as many officers find a trade-off between immediate earnings and long-term security in their choices.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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