Boston vs Lowell: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Boston, MA and Lowell, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Lowell, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,572 | $81,844▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.74 | $39.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,640▲ | $52,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,481▲ | $64,396 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,844 | $104,760▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,522 | $126,859▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,440▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Lowell, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boston.
The salary gap between Boston and Lowell is $1,272 (1.58%). Lowell's median is +4.20% 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,Lowell spans $74,254. Lowell 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, Lowell ($75,432 effective) pays 1.36% 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 Lowell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,859)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,432)
- ✓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 Lowell over the same period.
Boston, MA
$74,160 (2019) → $78,180 (2025)
Lowell, MA
$89,216 (2024) → $79,414 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Lowell, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Boston or Lowell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Lowell?
Should I relocate from Boston to Lowell as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Boston vs Lowell?
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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