Amherst Town vs Worcester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Amherst Town, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amherst Town, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,728 | $82,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.41 | $39.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,025 | $61,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,176 | $74,667▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,042 | $100,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,739▲ | $105,667 |
| Total Employed | 430 | 2,000▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Amherst Town.
The salary gap between Amherst Town and Worcester is $6,936 (9.16%). Worcester's median is +5.25% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amherst Town spans $56,714,Worcester spans $43,676. Amherst Town has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($80,630 effective) pays 6.73% more than Amherst Town ($75,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amherst Town if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,739)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,664/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,630)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Amherst Town grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Amherst Town, MA
$74,970 (2024) → $73,480 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$61,850 (2019) → $80,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amherst Town, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Amherst Town or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amherst Town and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Amherst Town to Worcester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Amherst Town vs Worcester?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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