Police Officer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $35.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Lancaster, OH runs $35.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, police officers in Lancaster, Ohio, can expect a median hourly pay of $35.48, which falls below the national median of $37.76. This hourly rate highlights the financial realities for police officers working part-time, such as those on a three-day work schedule, as well as for per-diem roles in various settings like patrol cars and police stations. The hourly range for officers in Lancaster varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $22.88 and top earners reaching around $52.39, reflecting a wider spectrum of responsibilities and experience within the force. It's important to realize that these figures are derived from broader annual salary estimates, providing a useful benchmark for understanding hourly earnings in law enforcement sectors across the city.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.88 | $183.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.82 | $222.53 |
| Median (P50) | $35.48 | $283.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.15 | $361.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.39 | $419.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $35.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.48/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $73,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,580. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,419.34 | $6,150 | $73,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $851.61 | $3,690 | $44,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.74 | $2,460 | $29,522 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Lancaster) | $35.48 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $73,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $74,330.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.48/hr = $44,283/year (purchasing power: $48,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,806/year (purchasing power: $81,374).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Lancaster grew 20.7% from $28.53/hr (2019) to $34.43/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.57/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
For part-time officers working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home income can range significantly compared to full-time counterparts, particularly when factoring in the additional financial benefits associated with a full-time schedule. Per diem police officer pay in Lancaster often intersects with agency work or temporary roles, which can alter earnings dramatically, especially when including overtime for court appearances or extra shifts. Additionally, off-duty assignments like event security often come with cash payments of $35 to $75 per hour, creating a varied earning landscape based on employer types, such as city departments, county sheriffs, or federal agencies. While the promise of health insurance might lead some to prefer lower hourly rates, many officers seek higher pay without the benefits, illustrating a choice between cash compensation and long-term job security. Negotiating specific hourly terms is vital, especially for those in Lancaster aiming to maximize their compensation in a complex wage environment.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Lancaster?
Are police officers in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Lancaster?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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Career Resources
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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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