Andover vs Worcester: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Andover, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Andover, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,280 | $82,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.15 | $39.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,101 | $61,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,778 | $74,667▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,850 | $100,370▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,656▲ | $105,667 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,000▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Andover.
The salary gap between Andover and Worcester is $5,384 (6.97%). 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 Andover spans $61,555,Worcester spans $43,676. Andover 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 13.20% more than Andover ($71,226 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Andover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,656)
- ✓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 Andover grew -11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Andover, MA
$84,240 (2024) → $74,985 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$61,850 (2019) → $80,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Andover, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Andover or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Andover and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Andover to Worcester as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Andover vs Worcester?
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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
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