Needham vs Springfield: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Needham, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Needham, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,193 | $85,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.55 | $41.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,158 | $53,591▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,779 | $71,050▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,008▲ | $94,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,401 | $130,763▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,570▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Needham.
The salary gap between Needham and Springfield is $5,398 (6.73%). Springfield's median is +8.97% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Needham spans $66,243,Springfield spans $77,172. Springfield 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, Springfield ($89,101 effective) pays 20.55% more than Needham ($73,911 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Needham if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,591/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,763)
- ✓Larger job market (1,570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,101)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Needham grew -11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Needham, MA
$87,416 (2024) → $77,812 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$64,430 (2019) → $83,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Needham, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Needham or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Needham and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Needham to Springfield as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Needham vs Springfield?
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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