Police Officer Salary in Hackensack, NJ: $86,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Hackensack, NJ earns a median $86,822/year (≈ $41.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Hackensack's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $75,366 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hackensack, NJ, police officer salaries are projected to reach a median annual figure of $86,822 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national average of $78,542, representing an increase of 10.54%. Salary estimates indicate a range from $58,165 at the lower percentile to $127,438 at the highest, reflecting the complexity of compensation in law enforcement roles. These figures are derived from analyses based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors. In Hackensack, the role of mandatory overtime, particularly in court appearances and special assignments, can substantially elevate effective pay, making this a market where diligent officers can enhance their earnings significantly through optional and required additional hours.
About the Hackensack Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,165 | $27.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,670 | $33.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,822 | $41.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,027 | $51.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,438 | $61.27 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hackensack
In Hackensack, NJ, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,273 (2026 est.). At $86,822, the local median is 10.54% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hackensack: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hackensack Police Officer Pay Compares
Hackensack median: $86,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hackensack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $90,439 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +10.54% more |
Police Officers in Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $86,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $90,439.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hackensack has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hackensack, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,822 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,366 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,807
2025 BLS Actual
$84,244
2026 Current Est.
$86,822
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,479 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hackensack metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $69,807 (2019) to $84,244 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,672 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hackensack 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) | $58,165 – $69,670 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,670 – $86,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,822 – $107,027 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,027 – $127,438 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Hackensack
The local labor market currently reports eight employed police officers in Hackensack, reminding prospective candidates of the competitive landscape within law enforcement. With a cost of living index sitting at 115.2, officers must consider how their salaries align with housing and other expenses in the area. Among local employers, municipal police departments typically offer the most competitive pay, especially when factoring in union contracts that provide benefits like overtime pay and educational incentives. The disparity between lower and higher salaries in the region can often be attributed to various factors, including agency type, the presence of specialized units, and retirement pension formulas that can greatly benefit long-term employees. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing specialized training and actively engaging in overtime options can prove to be the most effective strategies in the Hackensack job market.
More salary data for Hackensack, 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 $84,244 for police officersin the Hackensack 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 Hackensack 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