Police Officer Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $46.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Dallas, TX runs $46.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,454 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, Texas, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $46.04, significantly higher than the national median of $37.76 per hour. This generous rate allows officers to earn a substantial income even when working part-time, such as three days a week, making their roles in various settings—like patrol vehicles, booking rooms, and court appearances—financially viable options for many. For entry-level officers, the hourly rate starts around $31.07, while seasoned officers can earn up to $51.58 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data showcases the attractive earning potential for those pursuing a career in law enforcement within the Dallas area.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.07 | $248.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.78 | $302.25 |
| Median (P50) | $46.04 | $368.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.37 | $386.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.58 | $412.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $46.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.04/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $95,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,244. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,841.48 | $7,980 | $95,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,104.89 | $4,788 | $57,454 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $736.59 | $3,192 | $38,303 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Dallas) | $46.04 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $95,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.91% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 24.60% above the Texas state average of $76,848.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.04/hr = $57,454/year (purchasing power: $55,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,757/year (purchasing power: $92,887).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Dallas grew 29.4% from $34.51/hr (2019) to $44.67/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.45/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
Evaluating the specifics of part-time earnings in Dallas reveals that a police officer working three days a week (24 hours) may see a notable difference in their annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Many officers find themselves engaged in per-diem roles, making $35-$75 per hour for extra-duty assignments like event security or traffic control. In a salary-based setup, overtime pay, often 1.5 times the base rate, can add 20-50% to regular earnings during special duties or court appearances. Different law enforcement agencies vary in compensation; municipal departments offer competitive rates, while federal agencies can outpace local salaries significantly. Additionally, some officers might sacrifice higher hourly wages for the benefit of health insurance. Those negotiating their rates should consider not just hourly wages but the overall benefits package offered, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their earning potential in Dallas for law enforcement work.
More salary data for Dallas, 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 Dallas. 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