Police Officer Hourly Pay in Pinehurst, NC: $29.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Pinehurst, NC runs $29.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Pinehurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,206 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, police officer hourly pay in Pinehurst, North Carolina, is projected to be $29.01, a figure significantly below the national median of $37.76. This difference can affect various employment scenarios, including part-time and per-diem positions. For those working three days a week, their hours on typical assignments—ranging from patrol duties within designated beats to completing reports at the police station—will define their annual earnings. The hourly wage varies considerably for officers entering the field, earning as low as $22.96, up to more seasoned personnel securing rates as high as $34.96, according to official BLS data. Understanding this range is crucial for new recruits and experienced officers alike as they navigate their career paths within Pinehurst's law enforcement landscape.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.96 | $183.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.51 | $196.06 |
| Median (P50) | $29.01 | $232.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.42 | $235.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.96 | $279.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinehurst
Based on $29.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.01/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinehurst, NC can expect to earn approximately $60,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,814. With a cost-of-living index of 88.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pinehurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinehurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.46 | $5,029 | $60,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.27 | $3,017 | $36,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.18 | $2,011 | $24,137 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Pinehurst) | $29.01 |
| 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 Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $60,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.16% lower than the national median of $78,542.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.01/hr = $36,206/year (purchasing power: $40,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,344/year (purchasing power: $68,312).
CoL index: 88.336 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Pinehurst grew 20.7% from $23.33/hr (2019) to $28.15/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.90/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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
When examining part-time earning potential, a police officer working 24 hours per week can expect to take home a significantly lower amount than their full-time counterparts. Given the mandatory overtime typically required in the profession—often for court appearances or special operations—officers can amplify their earnings with shifts extending beyond regular hours. Many police departments in Pinehurst offer opportunities for off-duty assignments, frequently compensating upwards of $35-$75 per hour, which can provide a substantial boost to overall income. The nature of employment also influences hourly rates—municipal police departments tend to offer different packages compared to federal agencies or private security roles. While some officers might be attracted by higher hourly pay without benefits, others may prefer jobs that include health insurance and retirement plans. Therefore, potential candidates should weigh these factors carefully, considering negotiation strategies that reflect their unique circumstances and market conditions in Pinehurst.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Pinehurst in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Pinehurst?
Are police officers in Pinehurst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Pinehurst?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Pinehurst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Pinehurst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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