Police Officer Hourly Pay in Waco, TX: $37.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Waco, TX runs $37.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,171 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Waco's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,894 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, Texas, police officers earn a median hourly rate of $37.58 in 2026, closely aligning with the national hourly median of $37.76. This hourly pay provides significant opportunities for both part-time officers working three days a week, as well as per-diem workers in various settings, such as patrol vehicles, police stations, and during court testimony. The hourly range highlights a spectrum from $27.83 at the entry-level up to $47.01 for top earners, reflecting the different responsibilities and seniority levels within the police force. This pay framework is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, ensuring accurate, reliable compensation analysis for those exploring careers as police officers in Waco.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.83 | $222.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.93 | $231.43 |
| Median (P50) | $37.58 | $300.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.54 | $372.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.01 | $376.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waco
Based on $37.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.58/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waco, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,091. With a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,503.03 | $6,513 | $78,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $901.82 | $3,908 | $46,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.21 | $2,605 | $31,263 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Waco) | $37.58 |
| 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 Waco, TX earn a median of $78,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 1.70% above the Texas state average of $76,864.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.58/hr = $46,894/year (purchasing power: $50,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,157/year (purchasing power: $84,449).
CoL index: 92.55 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Waco grew 25.5% from $29.05/hr (2019) to $36.46/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.73/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 Waco 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 Waco
Focusing on hourly earnings, a part-time officer working 24 hours per week would take home about $46,623 annually, compared to someone working full-time at 40 hours per week who would earn $78,171. Furthermore, the reality of police work often involves considerable overtime, significantly boosting income; many officers receive overtime pay at 1.5 times their base hourly rate for court appearances or special details, potentially adding 20-50% to their earnings. Additionally, off-duty assignments can yield $35-$75 per hour, especially in event security or other extra-duty roles. Variability exists among different employers in Waco, including municipal, county, and federal agencies, each offering distinct pay structures. While some officers might opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without a benefits package, illustrating the diverse choices law enforcement professionals face in the field. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can also hinge on experience and the prevalence of overtime opportunity within specific departments.
More salary data for Waco, 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 Waco. 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