Police Officer Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $24.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Bristol, VA runs $24.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,753 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
At a projected hourly rate of $24.64, police officer hourly pay in Bristol, Virginia, significantly lags behind the national median of $37.76 per hour. This disparity can have a notable impact on part-time and per diem officers, particularly those working in community policing settings, such as patrol vehicles, police bookings, and even during court testimonies. The pay range for officers in Bristol varies from $16.36 per hour for entry-level positions to as high as $35.14 for top earners, reflecting the spectrum of experience and responsibilities within the role. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the economic realities facing officers in various assignments from patrol roles to specialized unit operations.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.36 | $130.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.59 | $156.73 |
| Median (P50) | $24.64 | $197.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.88 | $247.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.14 | $281.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $24.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.64/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $51,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,570. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.67 | $4,271 | $51,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.40 | $2,563 | $30,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.27 | $1,708 | $20,502 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Bristol) | $24.64 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $51,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.74% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 15.60% below the Virginia state average of $60,735.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.64/hr = $30,753/year (purchasing power: $29,799).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,255/year (purchasing power: $49,665).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Bristol grew 20.7% from $19.81/hr (2019) to $23.91/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.40/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals interesting dynamics for a police officer who works three days a week, totaling 24 hours, compared to full-time colleagues. This part-time officer could take home significantly less annually, affecting long-term financial security and eligibility for benefits. Moreover, opportunities for per diem police officer pay in Bristol often come with added complexities; many officers may find that working at extra-duty assignments can provide substantial hourly rates ranging from $35 to $75, particularly for event security or construction detail work. Different employer types across Bristol also present varying pay structures—municipal sites, county sheriff's offices, and federal agencies typically feature distinct pay scales. The trade-off between slightly lower hourly rates with municipal positions and higher rates in private security roles may influence an officer’s decision-making process. Additionally, understanding the benefits associated with each option is crucial, as comprehensive health plans often compensate for lower wages. Officers betting on negotiation should focus on the value of their experience and the competitive nature of the local law enforcement environment.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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