Entry-Level Police Officer Salary in Quincy, MA: $50,704 (2026)
Quick Answer:New police officers entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,704 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 33-3051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,732 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,974) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering law enforcement in Quincy, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary of approximately $50,704. While this figure may be lower than the city's median annual salary of $80,974, it offers a solid foundation for early-career officers. Over the first few years, young officers will likely see their earnings grow, reaching $62,696 at the 25th percentile and potentially hitting the median within three to five years. Given Quincy’s competitive salary projections, the city presents an attractive job market for aspiring police officers, especially with median salaries that are approximately 3.10% higher than the national average of $78,542.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level police officers in Quincy, MA typically start between $50,704 and $62,696 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $74,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,974 — 3.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average law enforcement program cost in Massachusetts of $10,000 represents just 19.72% of the starting police officer pay ($50,704/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level police officer pay ranges from $50,704 to $62,696, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $74,807 ( 147.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,704, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,511.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,274
2025 BLS Actual
$49,199
2026 Current Est.
$50,704
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,274 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,786 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,704 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,256 | Projected |
Entry-level police officer compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,274 in 2019 to $49,199 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,256. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
For those looking to kickstart their law enforcement careers in Quincy, several local agencies are known for hiring new graduates. Municipal police departments often recruit through the structured Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy, providing a defined pathway for entrants. Additionally, state police and highway patrol hire through state academies, while federal positions, such as those in the FBI, typically require more experience and a bachelor’s degree. To improve starting pay in Massachusetts, candidates should consider obtaining POST certification, which generally takes 6-9 months and includes physical and psychological evaluations. Beyond high school credentials, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be influential, especially for urban departments. In the first few years, earnings may vary widely with some municipal roles potentially leading to salaries significantly above baseline figures due to the disparities between urban and rural pay structures. Achieving specialty certifications or pursuing advanced training can also facilitate upward mobility in this rewarding yet competitive field.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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