Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Lawrence, MA: $51,195 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,195 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,184 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,596) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of an entry-level police officer in Lawrence, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary around $51,195, significantly lower than the city's median annual pay of $79,596. This disparity highlights the financial realities that many new officers face as they begin their careers. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for those who remain committed to the profession. Within the first few years, officers can anticipate moving from that initial figure toward the 25th percentile earning of $62,509 as they gain experience and potentially additional certifications. Given the competitive pay rates and job opportunities in Lawrence, particularly for those who have completed POST training, the city presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish their policing careers.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level police officers in Lawrence, MA typically start between $51,195 and $62,509 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,596 — 1.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Massachusetts of $10,000 represents just 19.53% of the starting police officer pay ($51,195/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $51,195 to $62,509, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $68,792 ( 134.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,195, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,987.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,644
2025 BLS Actual
$49,675
2026 Current Est.
$51,195
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,021 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,408 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,898 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,195 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,762 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,644 in 2019 to $49,675 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,762. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
When considering where to apply, new graduates should be aware that Lawrence's municipal police department typically recruits through structured pathways designed for academy graduates, while larger agencies like state police or federal law enforcement often look for more experienced candidates. To enhance entry-level pay in Massachusetts, obtaining certifications through the state Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy is essential, which may involve passing a series of evaluations. Those who pursue further education, such as a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, or specialize in areas like K-9 handling or SWAT, can improve their chances for advancement and higher starting salaries. As officers navigate their first three years, realistic salary growth expectations must take into account the regional pay disparities in the profession, where officers in urban areas alongside federal positions can earn significantly more, along with the influence of organizations like FOP and NLEA on labor conditions and benefits.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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