Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Fall River, MA: $53,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,297 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,122 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,572) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career in law enforcement in 2026 can anticipate an entry-level police officer salary in Fall River, Massachusetts, starting at approximately $53,297. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $80,572, it reflects the typical entry-level pay range for new graduates. As officers gain experience, they can expect their earnings to increase, potentially reaching the 25th percentile salary of $64,443 within the first few years. This growth trajectory suggests that Fall River presents a stable market for fresh recruits, allowing for career advancement and salary improvement as they establish their roles in the police force.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
Entry-level police officers in Fall River, MA typically start between $53,297 and $64,443 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,902 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,572 — 2.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Massachusetts of $10,000 represents just 18.76% of the starting police officer pay ($53,297/year) in Fall River. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates cover police academy tuition (often paid by hiring department), physical/psychological testing fees, and optional associate degree in criminal justice. Many large departments sponsor recruits and pay them during academy training.
PO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $53,297 to $64,443, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the law enforcement field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fall River, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Police Officer Compensation Range
The police officer wage spread in Fall River is $69,902 ( 131.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,297, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,199.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,231
2025 BLS Actual
$51,715
2026 Current Est.
$53,297
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,231 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,201 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,191 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,928 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,231 in 2019 to $51,715 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,928. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your law enforcement Career in Fall River
In Fall River, several municipal police departments actively recruit new graduates, particularly those who have completed the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy. Opportunities also exist in other law enforcement areas, such as state police and university campus agencies, which may serve as valuable stepping stones for new officers. Achieving POST certification—alongside fulfilling physical fitness and psychological evaluations—enhances employability and earning potential, especially for those pursuing additional credentials or specialized training. New officers entering the field should aim to build their experience effectively within their first three years. As they enhance their skills, they may find themselves positioned for advancement into more lucrative roles. Given the economic disparities between urban and rural positions, aspiring police officers in Fall River can expect reasonable salary growth, particularly if they leverage certifications and ongoing education early in their careers.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new law enforcement graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
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