Police Officer Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $49.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Burien, WA runs $49.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, police officers earn a noteworthy median hourly rate of $49.22, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $37.76. This substantial pay reflects the degree of responsibility and challenges associated with policing in a vibrant urban area. For part-time officers working a typical schedule of three days a week, which amounts to around 24 hours, the financial viability of such positions often leads to a practical decision about seeking additional work. Per-diem officers engaged in critical situations—whether in patrol vehicles, booking rooms at the police station, or special unit operations—can see hourly rates ranging from $31.82 for entry-level roles up to $76.20 for experienced professionals who often take on specialized tasks like SWAT or K-9 operations. This range allows for various levels of entry into law enforcement careers within Burien while reinforcing the importance of evaluating hourly pay against living expenses, especially given the area's cost of living index standing at 107.4.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.82 | $254.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.78 | $310.25 |
| Median (P50) | $49.22 | $393.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.01 | $504.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.20 | $609.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $49.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.22/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,381 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,066. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,968.86 | $8,532 | $102,381 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,181.31 | $5,119 | $61,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.54 | $3,413 | $40,952 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Burien) | $49.22 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $102,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.36% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $102,899.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.22/hr = $61,428/year (purchasing power: $57,196).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,381/year (purchasing power: $95,326).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Burien grew 20.7% from $39.58/hr (2019) to $47.76/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.73/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 Burien 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 Burien
Examining the landscape of part-time police officer earnings reveals nuanced opportunities for officers choosing to work three days a week compared to their full-time counterparts. For those dedicating 24 hours weekly, the annual take-home can still be substantial, but it may lack the full benefits package that full-time roles typically provide. In Burien, per diem police officer pay can vary significantly, with off-duty assignments enhancing income through additional opportunities such as event security, often ranging from $35 to $75 an hour. The type of employer also has a significant impact on hourly rates, as municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, and federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI have varying pay structures that impact potential earnings. Furthermore, many officers must weigh the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against higher wages with less security, making thoughtful negotiation strategies essential for securing favorable compensation. Understanding these dynamics improves the ability of police officers in Burien, WA, to maximize their earning potential in a profession that offers diverse opportunities and challenges.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 Burien. 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 Burien 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