Police Officer Salary in East Orange, NJ: $91,730 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in East Orange, NJ earns a median $91,730/year (≈ $44.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in East Orange's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $79,627 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, NJ, the 2026 projected median annual salary for police officers is $91,730, which reflects a notable 16.79% increase over the national median of $78,542 for the same year. Salary estimates for local police officers indicate a wide-ranging pay scale, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $57,379 (P10) and going up to $136,252 (P90) for more experienced roles. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate a lucrative opportunity in law enforcement, especially given the community's pension multiplier formula, which significantly impacts long-term retirement compensation. The planned growth rate of 3.06% annually for this sector highlights a stable job market for East Orange officers, essential for those considering their future in law enforcement.
About the East Orange Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,379 | $27.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,814 | $33.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,730 | $44.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,494 | $56.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,252 | $65.50 |
Median Salary Position
16.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Orange
In East Orange, NJ, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,873 (2026 est.). At $91,730, the local median is 16.79% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Orange Police Officer Pay Compares
East Orange median: $91,730/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $90,463 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $78,542 | +16.79% more |
Police Officers in East Orange, NJ earn a median of $91,730 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $90,463.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Orange has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Orange, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,730 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,627 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,753
2025 BLS Actual
$89,006
2026 Current Est.
$91,730
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $110,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,006 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,730 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,537 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Orange metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $73,753 (2019) to $89,006 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,537 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,784 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Orange 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,379 – $68,814 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,814 – $91,730 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,730 – $116,494 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,494 – $136,252 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in East Orange
The local job market currently employs nine police officers, creating a competitive environment for aspiring law enforcement professionals. The cost of living index in East Orange stands at 115.2, above the national average, which influences take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers are municipal police departments, while federal law enforcement agencies offer more substantial salaries compared to county sheriff's offices or state police due to budgetary constraints and the inherent structural differences. Variability in pay is also driven by factors like agency type, special unit assignments, and shift differentials. Officers seeking to maximize their earnings in East Orange should consider the benefits of specialized training and educational incentives, as these factors can lead to significant pay increases and a more advantageous retirement plan under the existing pension structures.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $89,006 for police officersin the East Orange metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Orange 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