Police Officer Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $89,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $89,774/year (≈ $43.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $77,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected police officer salary in Lakewood, NJ, is projected to be $89,774, reflecting a 14.30% increase over the national median of $78,542. This competitive figure is anchored between a salary range of $56,225 at the 10th percentile and $139,149 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the varied pay scales available within the law enforcement sector. These estimations, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight not just the attractiveness of the financial compensation, but the potential long-term benefits that are influenced by pension structures. With a strong job market, Lakewood presents viable career opportunities for police officers looking to establish stability through structured benefits that can significantly affect retirement planning.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,225 | $27.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,517 | $33.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,774 | $43.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,910 | $55.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,149 | $66.90 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,924 (2026 est.). At $89,774, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Police Officer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $89,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $90,497 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +14.30% more |
Police Officers in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $89,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $90,497.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,774 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,929 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,180
2025 BLS Actual
$87,108
2026 Current Est.
$89,774
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,616 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,108 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,521 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $72,180 (2019) to $87,108 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,521 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,341 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $56,225 – $69,517 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,517 – $89,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,774 – $114,910 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,910 – $139,149 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Lakewood
The local labor landscape for law enforcement includes 31 police officers currently employed in Lakewood, serving a community with a cost of living index of 115.2—indicating higher living costs compared to the national average. For those seeking the highest police officer pay in Lakewood, federal positions, including roles within the FBI or other federal agencies, often provide superior compensation compared to other municipal alternatives. Factors driving the compensation range include agency type, union contracts, and various assignment premiums. To maximize earning potential, officers should consider pursuing specialty assignments, education incentives for advanced degrees, and actively engaging in overtime opportunities available through union agreements. These strategies are essential for those navigating the intricacies of police officer pay in Lakewood NJ, particularly as they plan for the financial implications of their career choices.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $87,108 for police officersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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