Police Officer Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $37.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Salem, MA runs $37.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,641 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,190 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for police officers is $37.81, slightly elevated over the national median of $37.76. This figure provides insight into the local landscape, which accommodates both full-time and part-time roles within various environments such as patrol vehicles, evidence rooms, and court settings. For part-time officers working three days a week, this rate translates to a solid earning potential, but it’s critical to understand the significant variance in hourly income across the spectrum of positions; entry-level roles begin at approximately $25.55, while those in senior or specialized assignments, such as detectives or SWAT team members, can earn up to $57.14 per hour. These hourly estimates are reflective of the annual salary figures and highlight the different work arrangements offered in Salem's police department.
About the Salem 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) | $25.55 | $204.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.54 | $244.29 |
| Median (P50) | $37.81 | $302.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.76 | $374.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.14 | $457.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $37.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.81/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,375. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,512.51 | $6,554 | $78,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.51 | $3,933 | $47,190 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.00 | $2,622 | $31,460 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Salem) | $37.81 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $78,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,578.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.81/hr = $47,190/year (purchasing power: $43,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,650/year (purchasing power: $72,489).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Salem grew 20.7% from $30.40/hr (2019) to $36.69/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.97/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 Salem 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 Salem
Looking at the potential earnings for part-time officers, a 3-day workweek (24 hours) would yield around $46,418 annually at the median rate, far less than a full-time officer. The per diem police officer pay in Salem usually hinges on departmental demands and additional responsibilities; many officers can significantly boost their income through overtime pay, which often incorporates mandatory court appearances or extra-duty assignments paying up to $75 an hour. Furthermore, wages can differ markedly depending on the nature of the employer, ranging from municipal departments to federal agencies like the FBI. While some officers opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits packages, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Strong negotiation skills and a clear understanding of the local job market in Salem can help prospective officers secure the best possible hourly compensation while making strategic career choices within a diverse field.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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