Springfield vs Waltham: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Springfield, MA and Waltham, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MA | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,591▲ | $79,422 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.15▲ | $38.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,591▲ | $50,809 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,050▲ | $62,167 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,341 | $101,660▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,763▲ | $119,382 |
| Total Employed | 1,570▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waltham.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waltham is $6,169 (7.77%). 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 Springfield spans $77,172,Waltham spans $68,573. Springfield 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, Springfield ($89,101 effective) pays 21.72% more than Waltham ($73,200 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waltham if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Springfield grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.0% growth in Waltham over the same period.
Springfield, MA
$64,430 (2019) → $83,050 (2025)
Waltham, MA
$86,576 (2024) → $77,064 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MA
Waltham, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Springfield or Waltham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Waltham?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Waltham as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Springfield vs Waltham?
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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