Police Officer Salary in Hampton, VA: $60,697 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Hampton, VA earns a median $60,697/year (≈ $29.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $58,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, police officer salaries reflect both local economic conditions and national standards. The 2026 projected median annual salary stands at $60,697, demonstrating a competitive showing against the broader market, where the national median is significantly higher at $78,542. Pay for local police officers ranges from $38,648 at the lower tenth percentile to $93,812 at the upper ninetieth percentile, indicating varied opportunities for financial growth depending on experience and specialization. These estimates are drawn from state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living, which can affect take-home pay substantially. Understanding the implications of a police officer's compensation in Hampton requires looking at factors like retirement benefits which include a pension based on a multiplier formula—an essential consideration for long-term job satisfaction and security.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,648 | $18.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,480 | $22.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,697 | $29.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,693 | $37.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,812 | $45.10 |
Median Salary Position
22.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,164 (2026 est.). At $60,697, the local median is 22.72% below the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Police Officer Pay Compares
Hampton median: $60,697/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $60,758 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | -22.72% less |
Police Officers in Hampton, VA earn a median of $60,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.72% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $60,758.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,697 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,815 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,802
2025 BLS Actual
$58,895
2026 Current Est.
$60,697
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,649 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,858 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,697 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $48,802 (2019) to $58,895 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,753 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $38,648 – $47,480 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,480 – $60,697 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,697 – $77,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,693 – $93,812 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Hampton
A strong workforce of 24 police officers is employed in Hampton, with the cost of living index at 103.2, slightly above the national average. This scenario means that while salaries may seem moderate, actual purchasing power can be impacted. Among various employers, municipal police departments tend to offer competitive pay, although federal law enforcement positions provide the highest compensation potential. The notable salary discrepancies, ranging from urban municipal to federal tiers, can often be attributed to the type of law enforcement agency, union agreements, and available overtime. To maximize earning potential in this local market, officers should explore opportunities for special unit assignments, seek educational incentives, and take advantage of shift differentials. Engaging in further training can also open doors to higher salaries, particularly in a diverse job landscape like Hampton.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
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 $58,895 for police officersin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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