Police Officer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $48.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Des Moines, WA runs $48.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, police officers can expect to receive an hourly wage of $48.99, substantially higher than the national average of $37.76. This competitive rate signals a healthy job market for law enforcement within the locality's unique cost of living landscape, which sits at 107.4—above the national standard. For part-time officers working three days a week on a 24-hour schedule, their earnings can quickly accumulate, providing a viable income while accommodating other commitments. Those who operate on a per-diem basis also find the police officer hourly pay in Des Moines advantageous, particularly as they participate in various roles, from patrolling city streets to engaging in court procedures or working special operations. Within this context, the hourly range for officers spans from $31.18 at entry-level positions to $72.08 for the highest earners, reflecting the varying responsibilities and experiences that contribute to their pay structure.
About the Des Moines 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) | $31.18 | $249.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.26 | $306.05 |
| Median (P50) | $48.99 | $391.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.19 | $497.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.08 | $576.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $48.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.99/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $101,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,794. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,959.79 | $8,492 | $101,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,175.87 | $5,095 | $61,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.92 | $3,397 | $40,764 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Des Moines) | $48.99 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $101,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.76% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $102,840.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.99/hr = $61,145/year (purchasing power: $56,932).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,909/year (purchasing power: $94,887).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Des Moines grew 20.7% from $39.39/hr (2019) to $47.54/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.49/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Compensation does not end with standard hourly wages; the earning potential for police officers often shifts due to various factors. An officer working three shifts weekly typically takes home significantly less annually compared to a full-time counterpart, especially with the possibilities for overtime and extra-duty assignments. Overtime rates often enhance base pay, adding another 20-50% for duties like court appearances or specialized operations, while off-duty assignments, common in the field, can pay anywhere from $35 to $75 per hour. Police officers in Des Moines face different rates depending on their employer type, with municipal salaries differing from county sheriff, state police, or federal law enforcement roles. Many officers may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for better benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly rates without those perks. When negotiating pay, law enforcement professionals should be aware of their worth by leveraging the competitive hourly standards and understanding the nuances of departmental expectations in Des Moines, WA.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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