Police Officer Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $39.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Lowell, MA runs $39.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,107 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the police officer hourly pay in Lowell, Massachusetts, is projected to reach a median rate of $39.35, which is notably higher than the national median hourly pay of $37.76. This competitive hourly rate reflects the vital roles officers play while patrolling assigned beats, working in police station booking rooms, or providing vital testimonies in court. For part-time officers working three days a week, or per-diem police officer workers, this hourly wage provides solid earnings across various operational settings, which include special unit operations like SWAT and K-9 activities. The hourly pay scale ranges significantly from $25.29 at the entry-level (P10) to $60.99 for top earners (P90), suggesting that career advancement and experience can lead to substantial financial rewards within the same profession in Lowell.
About the Lowell 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) | $25.29 | $202.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.96 | $247.67 |
| Median (P50) | $39.35 | $314.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.37 | $402.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.99 | $487.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $39.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.35/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,218. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.93 | $6,820 | $81,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $944.36 | $4,092 | $49,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.57 | $2,728 | $32,738 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Lowell) | $39.35 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $81,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.20% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $81,599.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.35/hr = $49,107/year (purchasing power: $45,260).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,844/year (purchasing power: $75,433).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Lowell grew 20.7% from $31.64/hr (2019) to $38.18/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.55/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Examining the financial landscape for part-time officers reveals distinct differences in earning potential compared to full-time counterparts. For example, a police officer working 24 hours per week would take home substantially less annually than a full-time colleague, highlighting the necessity for strategic financial planning for those seeking part-time police work. Moreover, law enforcement frequently involves mandatory overtime, which can enhance earnings by as much as 20-50% due to overtime pay for court appearances or extra shifts. Per diem roles often offer flexibility, allowing for additional assignments in high-demand scenarios, with some off-duty opportunities in Lowell earning up to $75 per hour. Officers often face a trade-off between lower hourly pay with comprehensive health benefits and the allure of higher hourly rates without them, prompting many to explore their priorities. Given the diverse types of employers—municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement—as well as private security options, negotiations for hourly wages can vary significantly. Officers should consider their benefits package, potential for overtime, and the specific demands of their roles when assessing offers.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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