Police Officer Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $38.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Medford, MA runs $38.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,386 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median hourly pay for police officers in Medford, Massachusetts is projected at $38.77, which is a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $37.76. This wage provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time police officers. For those working three days a week, this sets the stage for a flexible schedule that allows officers to balance their professional and personal lives while still earning a satisfactory income. Entry-level officers can expect to earn $25.71 per hour, while experienced personnel or those in specialized roles could see their pay scale rise to $59.36 per hour. Such hourly rates reflect the compensation dynamics of this profession, where pay scales can vary significantly based on experience, specialized skills, and department funding.
About the Medford 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) | $25.71 | $205.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.06 | $248.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.77 | $310.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.91 | $391.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.36 | $474.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $38.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.77/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $80,644 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,525. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,550.85 | $6,720 | $80,644 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $930.51 | $4,032 | $48,386 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $620.34 | $2,688 | $32,258 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Medford) | $38.77 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $80,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,630.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.77/hr = $48,386/year (purchasing power: $44,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,644/year (purchasing power: $74,326).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Medford grew 20.7% from $31.17/hr (2019) to $37.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.96/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 Medford 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 Medford
Considering the part-time pay structure, a three-day workweek contributing around 24 hours nets an officer approximately $49,286 annually, which may appeal to those seeking work-life balance. For per diem police officer pay in Medford, the combination of mandatory overtime and opportunities for court appearances and special assignments can increase earnings significantly, often resulting in a pay increase of 20-50% over base rates. The flexibility to engage in off-duty work, such as event security or detail assignments, typically offers between $35 and $75 per hour. Compensation can vary widely depending on department type—municipal departments may offer less than federal agencies, which leverage higher resources for pay. While some may prioritize hourly rate over benefits, especially in municipal roles, the advantages of health insurance and retirement plans can make lower hourly pay more attractive. Officers negotiating pay should consider the total compensation package, including potential overtime and opportunities for advancement within various law enforcement agencies across Medford and beyond.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. 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 Medford 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