Police Officer Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $35.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $35.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,299 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, the police officer hourly pay is projected to be $35.72 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $37.76. This figure provides a solid foundation for officers working in various roles, whether they are on patrol, engaged in booking or report writing, or preparing for court appearances. The hourly wage spans a range from $24.37 for entry-level positions to as much as $53.03 for top earners in the department. Part-time police officers typically work about three days a week, affecting their overall earnings, while those considering per-diem work may find opportunities in various settings such as special operations or federal investigations. The pay range reflects not only the responsibilities of the job but also the competitive nature of law enforcement careers within Texas.
About the Copperas Cove 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) | $24.37 | $194.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.20 | $225.58 |
| Median (P50) | $35.72 | $285.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.63 | $365.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.03 | $424.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $35.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.72/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $74,299 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,865. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,428.82 | $6,192 | $74,299 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $857.29 | $3,715 | $44,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $571.53 | $2,477 | $29,720 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Copperas Cove) | $35.72 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $74,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.40% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $76,835.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.72/hr = $44,579/year (purchasing power: $46,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,299/year (purchasing power: $77,395).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Copperas Cove grew 20.7% from $28.72/hr (2019) to $34.66/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.81/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
Focusing on the nuances of part-time work reveals a stark contrast in potential income when compared to full-time positions. A police officer in Copperas Cove working 24 hours a week may take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, limiting their access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Per-diem police officer pay in Copperas Cove can vary widely, particularly for extra-duty assignments where officers may earn rates between $35 and $75 per hour. Although municipal positions typically provide lower hourly wages than federal roles, specific benefits like pension plans might entice candidates to accept lower hourly rates. Negotiating for a competitive hourly rate, particularly in a smaller municipality like Copperas Cove, could mean examining the balance between pay and benefits. Officers should be aware of the different compensation structures within agencies, allowing for informed choices that align with their career goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Copperas Cove in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Copperas Cove?
Are police officers in Copperas Cove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Copperas Cove?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Copperas Cove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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