Boston vs Chelsea: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,572 | $80,870▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.74 | $38.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,640▲ | $51,724 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,481▲ | $63,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,844▲ | $100,967 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,522 | $115,916▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,440▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chelsea, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boston.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $298 (0.37%). Chelsea's median is +2.96% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $46,882,Chelsea spans $64,192. Chelsea has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chelsea ($74,535 effective) pays 0.15% more than Boston ($74,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Larger job market (11,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,870/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,916)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,535)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Boston grew 5.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.0% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$74,160 (2019) → $78,180 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$88,155 (2024) → $78,469 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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