Police Officer Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $45.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Arlington, TX runs $45.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median hourly pay of $45.11 for police officers in Arlington, Texas, the compensation significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $37.76. This robust hourly wage affords police officers in the region a comfortable standard of living, particularly for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions common in the field. Officers typically work in diverse settings such as patrol vehicles, police stations, and during court appearances, which allows for a flexible schedule for part-time officers working three days a week. The hourly range for Arlington officers varies considerably, from $26.16 for beginners to up to $69.92 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth within this career while using annual salary data to estimate these hourly rates.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.16 | $209.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.33 | $266.64 |
| Median (P50) | $45.11 | $360.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.73 | $461.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.92 | $559.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $45.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.11/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $93,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,131. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,804.37 | $7,819 | $93,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,082.62 | $4,691 | $56,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $721.75 | $3,128 | $37,531 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Arlington) | $45.11 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $93,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.45% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 22.10% above the Texas state average of $76,838.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.11/hr = $56,296/year (purchasing power: $58,642).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,827/year (purchasing power: $97,737).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Arlington grew 20.7% from $36.27/hr (2019) to $43.77/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.49/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Focusing on the earning prospects for part-time police officers who cover three shifts a week, they may find themselves earning around $56,000 annually, compared to a full-time officer's significantly higher earnings. Additionally, the nature of police work often entails mandatory overtime, especially during court appearances and operational details, where overtime can bolster a police officer’s income by adding an extra 20-50%. Off-duty jobs, such as event security or construction site flagging, typically pay between $35-$75 per hour, supplementing base pay effectively. Notably, hourly rates can differ based on the employer; municipal departments generally pay less than federal agencies like the FBI, which offer higher rates with various benefits. Officers may prioritize benefits like health insurance over slightly higher hourly wages in private security roles. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rate in Arlington, understanding the local pay structure and benefits can provide leverage in discussions, given the current employment landscape.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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