Police Officer Salaries in Massachusetts — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Massachusetts pays police officers a median wage of $78,610 per year — that's $37.80/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 17,000 police officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Police Officer salaries in Massachusetts are above the national average by approximately $5,369. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Massachusetts's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for police officers.
Massachusetts Police Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Massachusetts after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Massachusetts Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Massachusetts median of $78,610.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Massachusetts
Police Officer Salary Trend in Massachusetts — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for police officers in Massachusetts: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Massachusetts's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Massachusetts
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $87,250 | $41.95 | +11.0% | 5,950 |
| Worcester | $83,350 | $40.07 | +6.0% | 4,760 |
| Springfield | $80,950 | $38.92 | +3.0% | 3,060 |
| Cambridge | $75,450 | $36.27 | -4.0% | 1,530 |
| Lowell | $71,550 | $34.40 | -9.0% | 1,020 |
| Brockton | $68,400 | $32.88 | -13.0% | 680 |
Tip: Boston offers the highest police officer salaries in Massachusetts at $87,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Massachusetts vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Massachusetts sits in the mid-range for police officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Massachusetts
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Massachusetts is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Massachusetts job market. Massachusetts's high cost of living and strong unions typically result in above-average wages for police officers.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Massachusetts
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Massachusetts typically adds $64,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Boston pays police officers $87,250/yr — +11.0% above the Massachusetts average. Simply relocating within Massachusetts can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement and public safety typically command premium rates in Massachusetts. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays police officers $93,050/yr — 18.4% vs Massachusetts.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Massachusetts
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Massachusetts:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Massachusetts — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Massachusetts — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Boston, MA→