Police Officer Hourly Pay in Mentor, OH: $34.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Mentor, OH runs $34.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Mentor's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,779 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mentor, Ohio, the projected police officer hourly pay for 2026 stands at $34.28, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $37.76. This hourly figure serves as a benchmark for both full-time and part-time officers, indicating a pay structure that may influence work-life balance, especially for those considering part-time roles or per-diem police officer positions. In typical environments, such as patrolling assigned beats, conducting interviews in plainclothes, or testifying in court, officers can expect to earn within an hourly range starting at $22.92 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $51.51 for seasoned professionals. Such a diverse range reflects the various complexities and responsibilities associated with police work within Mentor, allowing officers some flexibility depending on their experience and specific assignments.
About the Mentor 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) | $22.92 | $183.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.50 | $219.97 |
| Median (P50) | $34.28 | $274.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.21 | $337.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.51 | $412.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mentor
Based on $34.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.28/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mentor, OH can expect to earn approximately $71,298 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,133. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mentor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mentor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,371.11 | $5,941 | $71,298 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $822.67 | $3,565 | $42,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.44 | $2,377 | $28,519 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Mentor) | $34.28 |
| 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 Mentor, OH earn a median of $71,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.10% below the Ohio state average of $74,338.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.28/hr = $42,779/year (purchasing power: $47,165).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,298/year (purchasing power: $78,608).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Mentor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Mentor grew 20.7% from $27.56/hr (2019) to $33.26/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.33/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 Mentor 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 Mentor
Analyzing the part-time earning potential within Mentor reveals intriguing possibilities. For officers working a 3-day week schedule, approximately 24 hours, the take-home pay significantly differs from full-time positions, impacting their annual earnings. Many police officers in the area might find themselves engaged in additional earning opportunities, as mandated overtime can increase overall compensation by 20-50%. This is particularly relevant for assignments like court appearances or special operations. The variety of employer types—from municipal police departments to federal agencies—also creates a distinctive earning landscape in Mentor. Some officers might prioritize hourly pay that includes benefits over higher hourly rates without additional perks. For those navigating negotiation discussions, understanding what each employer type can offer and being transparent about one's priorities can lead to better compensation outcomes in the long run.
More salary data for Mentor, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Mentor. 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 Mentor 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