Police Officer Hourly Pay in University Park, TX: $35.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in University Park, TX runs $35.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against University Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,692 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Park, police officer hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $35.01 by 2026. While this figure represents a solid earning capacity, it is notably below the national median hourly wage of $37.76. This pay rate allows for different scenarios within the field, accommodating both full-time officers and those working part-time or per diem shifts. Officers may find themselves fulfilling duties in a variety of environments, such as patrol vehicles or police station facilities, contributing to patrols, report writing, and providing testimony in court proceedings. The hourly compensation ranges from $22.33 at the entry level to as much as $51.10 for the most experienced professionals, showing substantial growth potential throughout one’s career.
About the University Park 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) | $22.33 | $178.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.18 | $217.42 |
| Median (P50) | $35.01 | $280.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.48 | $355.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.10 | $408.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Park
Based on $35.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.01/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Park, TX can expect to earn approximately $72,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,011. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,400.38 | $6,068 | $72,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $840.23 | $3,641 | $43,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.15 | $2,427 | $29,128 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (University Park) | $35.01 |
| 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 University Park, TX earn a median of $72,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $76,885.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.01/hr = $43,692/year (purchasing power: $45,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,820/year (purchasing power: $75,854).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in University Park grew 20.7% from $28.15/hr (2019) to $33.97/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.08/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 University Park 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 University Park
Examining the financial landscape of part-time versus full-time work, a police officer in University Park working just three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time position that offers broader earning opportunities. Moreover, the reality of per diem police officer pay in University Park reveals additional streams of income through specialized duties and overtime, often ranging from $35 to $75 per hour for off-duty assignments. Municipal police departments and county sheriff’s offices typically offer lower hourly rates compared to federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, which operate on a GS-13 scale and include substantial overtime benefits. Officers also face decisions regarding the trade-offs between lower hourly pay accompanied by health benefits versus higher pay with no benefits. Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insight for those considering their options in the policing field, particularly within the unique circumstances of University Park and the broader Texas landscape.
More salary data for University Park, 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 University Park. 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 University Park 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