Police Officer Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $27.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Fairfax, VA runs $27.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfax, Virginia, police officer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $27.89 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $37.76. This indicates a challenging environment for officers considering part-time positions or per-diem roles, typically working in settings such as patrol vehicles, police stations, and during court testimony. The hourly wage varies widely, ranging from $18.04 for entry-level positions to $39.46 for those at the upper end of the pay scale. This structure offers essential insight into the compensation landscape of law enforcement in Fairfax, particularly for officers who may only work three days a week or engage in per-diem assignments where the flexibility can influence overall income.
About the Fairfax 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) | $18.04 | $144.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.92 | $175.37 |
| Median (P50) | $27.89 | $223.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.46 | $315.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $27.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.89/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $58,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,466. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,115.52 | $4,834 | $58,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.31 | $2,900 | $34,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.21 | $1,934 | $23,203 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Fairfax) | $27.89 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $58,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.14% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $60,745.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.89/hr = $34,804/year (purchasing power: $33,725).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,007/year (purchasing power: $56,208).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Fairfax grew 20.7% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $27.06/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.74/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Part-time officers working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $43,667 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings, which include mandatory overtime that can significantly boost take-home pay. Police work in Fairfax typically involves a base salary with mandatory overtime opportunities. Officers may earn 1.5 times their hourly rate for attending court or taking on special assignments, often resulting in an increase of 20-50% in their overall compensation. Furthermore, off-duty assignments can yield $35-$75 per hour, allowing officers to augment their income or transition into per diem roles. The type of agency also affects hourly pay rates, with municipal police departments generally offering lower salaries compared to federal law enforcement agencies. Some officers might accept a lower hourly rate for the stability of health benefits, while others pursue higher hourly pay despite fewer benefits. Negotiating pay in Fairfax can be nuanced; understanding the trade-offs between benefits and hourly wages is essential for officers aiming to optimize their compensation within this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Fairfax, 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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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