Public Service Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Police Officer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median police officer salary in Boston, MA is $100,001 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$100,001
vs State Avg
+$11,184
vs National
+$34,211
Cost of Living
152%

Police Officer Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median police officer salary of $100,001, which is $11,184 above the Massachusetts state average of $88,817. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $100,001 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in Boston spans from $61,408 at the 10th percentile to $161,120 at the 90th percentile — a $99,712 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,840, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,960. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level police officer earns around $63,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,320
+$34,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,960
+$50,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $61,408
25th Percentile $77,824
Median (50th) $100,001
75th Percentile $132,544
90th Percentile $161,120

Police Officer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$105,264
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$72,369
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$69,080
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$64,474
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a Police Officer in Boston

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Boston

Browse open police officer positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Boston

How much does a Police Officer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median police officer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $100,001 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $61,408 (10th percentile) to $161,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,001, a police officer in Boston earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for police officer pay? ▼
Boston's median police officer salary of $100,001 is 12.6% above the Massachusetts state average of $88,817. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $100,001 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Boston? ▼
Most police officer positions in Boston require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.