Police Officer Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, MA: $38.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Fitchburg, MA runs $38.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the police officer hourly pay in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is projected to be $38.70, slightly higher than the national hourly median of $37.76. This rate provides a substantial income for both full-time and part-time officers. For those working part-time schedules of three days a week, this translates to roughly $30,000 annually, allowing them to balance other commitments while engaging in critical law enforcement duties. On the other hand, full-time officers can earn significantly more, with entry-level positions starting around $24.49 per hour and seasoned officers potentially earning up to $56.49 per hour. This hourly pay framework reflects the diverse responsibilities officers have, whether they are patrolling assigned beats, engaging in special unit operations, or testifying in court.
About the Fitchburg 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) | $24.49 | $195.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.99 | $239.92 |
| Median (P50) | $38.70 | $309.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.96 | $391.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.49 | $451.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $38.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.70/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,439. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,547.96 | $6,708 | $80,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $928.78 | $4,025 | $48,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.18 | $2,683 | $32,198 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Fitchburg) | $38.70 |
| 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 Fitchburg, MA earn a median of $80,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,640.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.70/hr = $48,296/year (purchasing power: $44,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,494/year (purchasing power: $74,188).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Fitchburg grew 20.7% from $31.12/hr (2019) to $37.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.88/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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
When considering part-time work, a police officer in Fitchburg who works 24 hours per week would realize a different earning potential compared to their full-time counterparts, impacting their overall financial stability. Per diem police officer pay in Fitchburg tends to vary, as many positions involve overtime for court appearances and special details, allowing officers to earn an additional 20-50% on their bases during such assignments. These off-duty opportunities, including event security or construction site flagging, can pay anywhere from $35 to $75 per hour, creating further earning possibilities. It's essential to recognize how hourly pay differs across various law enforcement agencies, with federal positions often commanding higher rates than municipal departments. Moreover, the choice between higher hourly rates with fewer benefits versus stable income with health insurance remains a crucial factor for many officers. Understanding these dynamics helps in negotiations for hourly roles within the law enforcement field in Fitchburg.
More salary data for Fitchburg, 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
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 Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg 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