Police Officer Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $28.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Sterling, VA runs $28.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,984 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
One of the critical components of police officer compensation in Sterling, Virginia, is the hourly pay, which is projected to be $28.03 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national hourly median of $37.76, reflecting local economic conditions. For a police officer working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a decent income while allowing a degree of flexibility typically not found in full-time positions. Police officers frequently spend their shifts in various environments such as patrol vehicles, booking rooms, or courtrooms, which plays a role in their earnings potential. For those just starting their careers, hourly rates begin at around $18.65, while experienced officers can earn up to $41.20 on the high end, firmly anchoring the profession within a broader salary continuum that reflects both experience and duties.
About the Sterling 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) | $18.65 | $149.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.87 | $174.95 |
| Median (P50) | $28.03 | $224.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.56 | $284.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.20 | $329.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $28.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.03/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $58,307 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,639. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,121.29 | $4,859 | $58,307 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.78 | $2,915 | $34,984 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.52 | $1,944 | $23,323 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Sterling) | $28.03 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $58,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.77% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $60,795.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.03/hr = $34,984/year (purchasing power: $33,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,307/year (purchasing power: $56,499).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Sterling grew 20.7% from $22.54/hr (2019) to $27.20/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.89/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
The earning potential for part-time police officers in Sterling can be significantly impacted by their schedule and the nature of their assignments. A three-day workweek amounts to a total of 24 hours, which yields an annual take-home pay that can fluctuate dramatically based on overtime and special assignment premiums. Many officers perform additional duties—ranging from event security to court appearances—which can add substantial income through overtime pay, which is typically calculated at 1.5 times their base hourly rate. Furthermore, police officers in positions with municipal departments often face varying pay structures compared to specialized units or federal agencies, where hourly rates can be markedly higher. Some officers may find themselves weighing lower hourly pay offers that include robust health benefits against more appealing, higher hourly wages without additional perks. For those negotiating hourly pay in Sterling, understanding the full scope of available benefits, potential for overtime, and typical pay structures across different policing functions can greatly influence their decision-making process.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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