Police Officer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 17K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$78,940
$37.95/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $108K
17K employed in Massachusetts
The median Police Officer salary in Massachusetts is $78,940 per year, which translates to approximately $38 per hour. This figure is 6.4% higher than the national average, indicating a strong earning potential for law enforcement professionals in the state. With 17,040 officers employed, Massachusetts offers a significant job market.
Several factors influence a Police Officer salary in Massachusetts. These include years of experience, the specific department or municipality, additional certifications or specializations, and the cost of living in the area. Entry-level positions generally fall at the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned officers with advanced responsibilities can earn towards the higher end, up to $108,150 annually.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,160 |
| 25th percentile | $71,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,940 |
| 75th percentile | $97,390 |
| 90th percentile | $108,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Massachusetts tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,308 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,940 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,308 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $108,150 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Police Officer ($78,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in MA | $72,800 | -7.8% | $35.00/hr |
| Security Guard in MA | $44,670 | -43.4% | $21.48/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MA | $79,300 | +0.5% | $38.13/hr |
| Librarian in MA | $78,540 | -0.5% | $37.76/hr |
| Electrician in MA | $79,420 | +0.6% | $38.18/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in MA | $79,660 | +0.9% | $38.30/hr |
| School Counselor in MA | $79,930 | +1.3% | $38.43/hr |
| Interior Designer in MA | $80,110 | +1.5% | $38.51/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MA | $80,220 | +1.6% | $38.57/hr |
| Paralegal in MA | $77,640 | -1.6% | $37.33/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MA | $80,270 | +1.7% | $38.59/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in MA | $80,640 | +2.2% | $38.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for Police Officers in Massachusetts typically falls between $61,160 and $108,150 per year. The median salary is $78,940, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings across the state.
How does the Police Officer salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
- Police Officers in Massachusetts earn approximately 6.4% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $78,940 is a strong indicator of the higher earning potential within the state compared to other regions.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
- Based on the median annual salary of $78,940, a Police Officer in Massachusetts can expect to earn around $38 per hour. This hourly rate is reflective of the overall compensation package for the role.
How many Police Officers are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 17,040 Police Officers employed throughout Massachusetts. This large number suggests a robust job market for individuals seeking a career in law enforcement within the state.