Police Officer Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $48.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in SeaTac, WA runs $48.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,477 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In SeaTac, Washington, police officers command a median hourly rate of $48.46, significantly surpassing the national average of $37.76. This premium reflects the complexities and demands of police work in urban settings, where officers often engage in tasks ranging from responding to emergencies in patrol vehicles to conducting interviews in plainclothes. The hourly pay structure allows for versatile employment opportunities, catering to both full-time and part-time officers, including those working three days a week who may find considerable financial stability. For hourly workers, the earnings range significantly—from approximately $29.94 for entry-level positions to $73.22 for those in senior roles or specialized units, reflecting the hierarchy and experience that come into play within law enforcement roles in SeaTac.
About the SeaTac 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) | $29.94 | $239.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.17 | $297.39 |
| Median (P50) | $48.46 | $387.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.82 | $478.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.22 | $585.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $48.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.46/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $100,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,151. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,938.35 | $8,400 | $100,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,163.01 | $5,040 | $60,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.34 | $3,360 | $40,318 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (SeaTac) | $48.46 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $100,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.33% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $102,853.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.46/hr = $60,477/year (purchasing power: $56,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,794/year (purchasing power: $93,849).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in SeaTac grew 20.7% from $38.96/hr (2019) to $47.02/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.94/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 SeaTac 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 SeaTac
Examining the potential earnings for part-time officers, those working 24 hours a week would typically bring home around $61,490 annually, markedly less than their full-time counterparts who earn $100,796. The reality of police work, where mandatory overtime is common, enhances earning capabilities, as officers can expect overtime rates at 1.5 times their base pay during court appearances or special assignments. Additionally, opportunities abound for per diem police officer pay in SeaTac, where off-duty work—such as event security or construction site management—can yield hourly rates between $35 and $75. The variation in pay between municipal departments, county sheriff's offices, and federal agencies showcases the diverse earning potential within the law enforcement field. Officers may face decisions between accepting higher hourly rates without benefits or lower pay with comprehensive health insurance, further complicating their occupational choices. An understanding of these dynamics can aid current and prospective officers in negotiating their terms of employment and compensation in this competitive area.
More salary data for SeaTac, 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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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