Police Officer Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $27.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Herndon, VA runs $27.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Herndon, Virginia, police officer hourly pay is projected to be $27.36 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $37.76. This figure can shape the income expectations for individuals considering part-time positions as police officers, who may work around three days a week for a total of 24 hours. Depending on where they are assigned—whether in patrol cars, during court testimonies, or in specialized units like K-9 operations—the compensation reflects the varied responsibilities associated with the role. The hourly range spans from $19.14 for entry-level positions to $37.73 for top earners, illustrating the potential for upward mobility in this field. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, giving professionals a clearer picture of what to expect in the critical early stages of their career in law enforcement.
About the Herndon 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) | $19.14 | $153.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.40 |
| Median (P50) | $27.36 | $218.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.40 | $267.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.73 | $301.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $27.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.36/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $56,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,835. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.50 | $4,743 | $56,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.70 | $2,846 | $34,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.80 | $1,897 | $22,766 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Herndon) | $27.36 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $56,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.53% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $60,747.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.36/hr = $34,148/year (purchasing power: $33,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,914/year (purchasing power: $55,149).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Herndon grew 20.7% from $22.00/hr (2019) to $26.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.20/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
For those thinking about part-time roles, a police officer in Herndon working 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual take-home substantially below a full-time officer, who would typically earn more through stable shifts and additional overtime opportunities. Many police departments operate with mandatory overtime policies, meaning that extra commitments, like court appearances or handling specialized details, could boost compensation by 20-50% via time-and-a-half pay. Furthermore, off-duty or detail assignments often pay between $35 and $75 per hour, providing avenues for supplemental income. Interestingly, hourly pay can differ based on the employer; state and federal agencies often provide higher rates but usually come with more rigorous training and performance expectations. Officers may find themselves weighing the appeal of a higher hourly pay without benefits against the stability offered by municipal positions that include health coverage. Engaging in salary negotiations, they should consider the specific landscape in Herndon and the factors influencing department budgets and compensation structures.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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