Police Officer Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $49.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Kent, WA runs $49.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median police officer hourly pay in Kent, Washington, is projected at $49.37, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $37.76. This substantial discrepancy highlights the local market's compensation dynamics, offering attractive opportunities for both full-time and part-time officers. For those working three days a week, the flexible schedule allows officers to balance work and personal life, particularly in diverse environments such as patrol vehicles, police stations, and courtrooms. Entry-level officers earn around $31.38 per hour, while top earners in the city can make up to $76.52 per hour, creating a diverse spectrum of earning potential across different career stages. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data predominantly, shaping the overall compensation framework within the law enforcement sector in Kent.
About the Kent 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) | $31.38 | $251.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.58 | $308.60 |
| Median (P50) | $49.37 | $394.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.19 | $505.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.52 | $612.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $49.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.37/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,239. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,974.63 | $8,557 | $102,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.78 | $5,134 | $61,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.85 | $3,423 | $41,072 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Kent) | $49.37 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $102,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.74% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $102,890.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.37/hr = $61,608/year (purchasing power: $57,364).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,681/year (purchasing power: $95,606).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Kent grew 20.7% from $39.69/hr (2019) to $47.90/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.88/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 Kent 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 Kent
When considering part-time commitments, an officer working 24 hours a week could take home significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts. In addition to base pay, opportunities for per diem police officer work in Kent can enhance earnings, particularly through additional duties like event security or overtime for court appearances. Police departments typically require officers to exceed standard hours, with overtime often yielding 1.5 times the base rate, effectively boosting annual income by 20-50%. Furthermore, compensation can vary among employer types — officers in municipal departments may earn differently than those in federal law enforcement agencies, often impacting healthcare benefits and retirement options available. In Kent, officers should weigh the advantages of higher hourly wages against potentially reduced benefits when negotiating their pay. Understanding local labor dynamics and comparative earning potentials across roles can clarify what path to pursue in law enforcement careers.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Kent?
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Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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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 Kent. 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 Kent 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