Police Officer Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $38.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Amherst, MA runs $38.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for police officers in 2026 is $38.88, which surpasses the national median of $37.76. This favorable hourly rate offers significant potential for both full-time and part-time officers. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, police work allows for flexible schedules while still earning competitive wages. In terms of pay progression, new officers can begin at around $23.75 per hour, while experienced officers can earn up to $55.84 per hour, depending on tenure and specific role assignments, from patrol duties to specialized units like SWAT or K-9 operations. These figures illustrate how Massachusetts maintains a competitive edge in police officer hourly pay, making it an attractive option for those in the law enforcement field.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.75 | $189.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.87 | $254.93 |
| Median (P50) | $38.88 | $311.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.52 | $388.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.84 | $446.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $38.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.88/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,880 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,661. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,555.38 | $6,740 | $80,880 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.23 | $4,044 | $48,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.15 | $2,696 | $32,352 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Amherst) | $38.88 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $28.13 |
| Detective / Criminal Investigator (National Avg) | $45.86 |
| Correctional Officer (National Avg) | $25.24 |
| Security Guard (National Avg) | $17.32 |
Police Officers in Amherst, MA earn a median of $80,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.97% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,611.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.88/hr = $48,528/year (purchasing power: $44,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,880/year (purchasing power: $74,544).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Amherst grew 20.7% from $31.26/hr (2019) to $37.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.07/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem police officers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Working as an Hourly Police Officer in Amherst
Work schedules can vary dramatically between full-time and part-time officers, impacting overall take-home pay. A police officer working three days a week for 24 hours would earn a significantly lower annual income than their full-time peers, despite the same hourly wage. The reality of police work often includes mandatory overtime, especially during court appearances and other special details, which can see officers earning 1.5 times their base rate. Off-duty and extra-duty assignments may also provide lucrative opportunities, with rates commonly ranging from $35 to $75 per hour. Compensation structures can vary depending on the employer; municipal departments, county sheriffs, and federal agencies each offer different benefits and pay scales. While some officers may accept a lower hourly pay for robust health insurance packages, others may prefer the flexibility of per diem police officer pay in Amherst, often reflecting a strategic choice regarding job security versus hourly earnings. As positions open in various types of law enforcement roles across the state, savvy negotiation skills are critical, especially for those exploring contracts that offer flexibility while still promising competitive hourly compensation.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for police officers in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time police officers make in Amherst?
Are police officers in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time police officer make per year in Amherst?
Do police officers earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for police officers in Amherst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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