Police Officer Hourly Pay in Amarillo, TX: $39.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Amarillo, TX runs $39.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,314 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Amarillo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,785 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Amarillo, Texas, police officers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.09, which is notably higher than the national median of $37.76. This rate positions Amarillo as an attractive option for those considering law enforcement careers, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers who may operate within varied environments such as patrol vehicles, booking rooms, and investigative settings. For part-time officers working three days a week, their earnings can significantly supplement their income, catering to those who balance other commitments. Entry-level officers can expect an hourly pay starting at $28.61, progressing to top earners who make up to $45.28, reflecting the diverse range of responsibilities and experiences within the department. This data is derived from the BLS, highlighting the importance of understanding the pay scale in local departments.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.61 | $228.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.34 | $250.72 |
| Median (P50) | $39.09 | $312.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.77 | $318.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.28 | $362.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amarillo
Based on $39.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.09/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amarillo, TX can expect to earn approximately $81,309 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,909. With a cost-of-living index of 91.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Amarillo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amarillo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,563.63 | $6,776 | $81,309 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $938.18 | $4,065 | $48,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.45 | $2,710 | $32,523 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Amarillo) | $39.09 |
| 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 Amarillo, TX earn a median of $81,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 5.80% above the Texas state average of $76,857.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.09/hr = $48,785/year (purchasing power: $53,131).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,309/year (purchasing power: $88,552).
CoL index: 91.82 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Amarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Amarillo grew 14.2% from $33.20/hr (2019) to $37.93/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.29/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 Amarillo 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 Amarillo
In examining part-time earning potential, a police officer working a 24-hour week in Amarillo could generate a notable income compared to their full-time counterparts. Many police officers work under a salaried structure, yet overtime opportunities can increase their take-home pay substantially; attending court or special events often brings in 1.5 times their regular hourly compensation. Additionally, off-duty assignments, sometimes referred to as per diem police officer pay in Amarillo, can yield significant cash earnings ranging from $35 to $75 per hour. The hourly earnings can vary based on whether officers work for municipal, county, or federal law enforcement agencies, with federal positions typically offering higher pay but fewer immediate overtime opportunities. For officers weighing their options, it’s crucial to consider the trade-offs of hourly pay without benefits versus a potentially lower hourly wage that includes health insurance. Negotiating for better compensation or additional benefits can be essential in securing a rewarding position in the competitive field of law enforcement.
More salary data for Amarillo, TX:
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 Amarillo. 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, 7-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