Police Officer Hourly Pay in South Charleston, WV: $26.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in South Charleston, WV runs $26.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against South Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,248 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Police officer hourly pay in South Charleston, West Virginia, is projected to reach a median of $26.64 in 2026. This rate is significantly lower than the national median of $37.76, indicating a challenging financial landscape for officers in the area. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, perhaps operating as officers three days a week, the pay translates into a steady income while allowing flexibility. Patrol assignments in vehicles, booking and report-writing at police stations, or specialized operations like K-9 units underline the diverse environments an officer might work in. Entry-level officers can expect to earn approximately $17.50 per hour, while experienced counterparts in higher positions can command rates up to $36.95 per hour, reflecting the range which varies based on experience and responsibilities. This spectrum demonstrates the potential for earning across the profession in South Charleston, although many still find themselves below the national averages.
About the South Charleston Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.50 | $140.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.06 | $168.44 |
| Median (P50) | $26.64 | $213.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.65 | $261.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.95 | $295.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Charleston
Based on $26.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.64/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $55,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,969. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,065.64 | $4,618 | $55,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.38 | $2,771 | $33,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.26 | $1,847 | $22,165 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (South Charleston) | $26.64 |
| 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 South Charleston, WV earn a median of $55,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.45% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 4.20% below the West Virginia state average of $57,844.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.64/hr = $33,248/year (purchasing power: $38,437).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,413/year (purchasing power: $64,062).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in South Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in South Charleston grew 20.7% from $21.42/hr (2019) to $25.85/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.46/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 South Charleston 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 South Charleston
When examining part-time earnings, a police officer working 24 hours weekly would net around $33,174 annually, a stark contrast compared to full-time colleagues. Overtime opportunities can benefit many officers, with pay rates increasing to 1.5 times the base for court appearances and other mandated duties, often resulting in a significant boost to total compensation. In South Charleston, the variety of employer types—from municipal departments to federal agencies—will affect hourly rates and available benefits. While some might choose positions with lower hourly pay for comprehensive health benefits, others may pursue higher hourly opportunities in jobs that lack such perks. This dynamic reflects an ongoing negotiation between immediate pay and overall compensation packages that can enhance long-term stability. Those seeking to negotiate better pay should be prepared to discuss their experience and the skills they've gained through POST training, as these can provide leverage during discussions on hourly rates in the local market.
More salary data for South Charleston, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 South Charleston. 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 South Charleston 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