Police Officer Hourly Pay in South Burlington, VT: $37.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in South Burlington, VT runs $37.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against South Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Burlington, Vermont, police officers earn a median hourly rate of $37.05, slightly lower than the national median of $37.76. This pay structure provides a competitive edge for full-time officers while offering flexibility for part-time roles and per-diem workers who hold various positions, be it in patrol vehicles on city beats or in specialized units. The hourly range for officers in this city varies significantly, stretching from $23.30 for entry-level positions to $53.89 for the most experienced officers. These estimates, built from projected annual salaries, highlight the diverse experiences and duties required in law enforcement, whether it's responding to incidents, engaging with community members, or conducting investigations.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.30 | $186.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.64 | $229.12 |
| Median (P50) | $37.05 | $296.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.95 | $375.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.89 | $431.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Burlington
Based on $37.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.05/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $77,064 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,460. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,482.00 | $6,422 | $77,064 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $889.20 | $3,853 | $46,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $592.80 | $2,569 | $30,826 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (South Burlington) | $37.05 |
| 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 South Burlington, VT earn a median of $77,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 5.20% below the Vermont state average of $81,293.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.05/hr = $46,238/year (purchasing power: $44,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,064/year (purchasing power: $74,458).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in South Burlington grew 20.7% from $29.79/hr (2019) to $35.95/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.18/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 South Burlington 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 South Burlington
For part-time officers working three days a week, taking home pay presents a different perspective, as they can earn a substantial income without committing to full-time hours. For instance, such officers could bring home a significant amount annually, yet they also miss out on potential overtime bonuses that full-time officers receive for court appearances and extended shifts, often generating an additional 20-50% in earnings. Various factors influence their earning potential, including the type of agency. Municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, and state agencies may offer different hourly pay rates, with federal law enforcement positions typically providing more lucrative salaries but often demanding more stringent qualifications. When negotiating hourly pay, officers should consider additional benefits, like health insurance, that come with full-time roles versus the higher hourly rates available in part-time or agency positions. Understanding these dynamics is vital for any law enforcement professional considering their options in South Burlington.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in South Burlington in 2026?
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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 South Burlington. 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 South Burlington 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