Police Officer Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $38.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Chester, PA runs $38.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,875 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,923 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, the projected police officer hourly pay stands at $38.40 for 2026, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $37.76. This competitive rate reflects the city's commitment to compensating law enforcement adequately for their vital role in community safety. Part-time officers working three days a week can expect to earn between $626 and $920 weekly, largely depending on seniority and specialized duties. The range in hourly pay spans from $26.17 for entry-level positions to $54.61 for top-tier officers, offering a wide array of earning potential in routine patrols, court testimonies, and specialized operations. The numbers indicate that even with limited weekly hours, the per diem police officer pay in Chester remains attractive, providing flexibility for those balancing other commitments.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.17 | $209.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.14 | $249.16 |
| Median (P50) | $38.40 | $307.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.59 | $380.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.61 | $436.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $38.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.40/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $79,872 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,080. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,536.01 | $6,656 | $79,872 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $921.60 | $3,994 | $47,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $614.40 | $2,662 | $31,949 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Chester) | $38.40 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $79,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $82,686.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.40/hr = $47,923/year (purchasing power: $49,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,872/year (purchasing power: $82,004).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Chester grew 20.7% from $30.87/hr (2019) to $37.26/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.58/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 Chester 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 Chester
Salaries in law enforcement often come with unique compensation dynamics, especially for part-time officers. A police officer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $48,038 annually, while full-time officers enjoy significantly higher earnings, often benefiting from mandatory overtime that can elevate their paycheck by 20-50% during special tasks or court appearances. This discrepancy can make part-time positions appealing for those seeking a flexible schedule. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types in Chester, with municipal police departments generally offering lower hourly wages compared to federal law enforcement agencies, which often provide higher benefits and quicker paths to stable incomes. Many officers may choose roles that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits. Understanding these trade-offs can enhance negotiation opportunities, especially for those entering the force or considering shifts between agency types in Chester, PA.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Chester?
Are police officers in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Chester?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Chester. 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 Chester 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