Police Officer Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $79,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Dartmouth, MA earns a median $79,503/year (≈ $38.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Dartmouth's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The police officer salary in Dartmouth, MA, is projected to reach $79,503 in 2026, positioning it slightly above the national median of $78,542. This figure is derived from extensive data that account for local market conditions and regional cost adjustments. The salary spectrum for local officers ranges from $48,667 at the lower 10th percentile to $119,001 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied responsibilities and complexities of the role. Notably, the effective pay for officers in this area might often increase due to mandatory overtime associated with court appearances and special details, which can enhance earnings beyond the base salary. As Dartmouth continues to attract investment and support for its law enforcement agencies, officers benefit from a competitive market that emphasizes their critical role in community safety.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,667 | $23.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,402 | $29.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,503 | $38.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,764 | $48.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,001 | $57.21 |
Median Salary Position
1.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, MA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,334 (2026 est.). At $79,503, the local median is 1.22% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dartmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dartmouth Police Officer Pay Compares
Dartmouth median: $79,503/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dartmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $81,625 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +1.22% more |
Police Officers in Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $79,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.22% higher than the national median of $78,542 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $81,625.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dartmouth has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dartmouth, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,503 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,275 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,922
2025 BLS Actual
$77,142
2026 Current Est.
$79,503
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,922 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,164 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,663 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,142 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,935 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dartmouth metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $63,922 (2019) to $77,142 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,935 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,013 (28.18%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,667 – $60,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,402 – $79,503 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,503 – $101,764 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,764 – $119,001 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Dartmouth
In Dartmouth, the local law enforcement job market is relatively stable, with just five police officers employed in the area. This creates a tight-knit community where the cost of living index sits at 108.5, indicating that living expenses exceed the national average. As a result, police officer pay in Dartmouth is affected by how far officers can stretch their salary in the face of rising costs. Municipal police departments typically offer more competitive pay than county or state agencies, but federal roles can lead to significantly higher compensation. Those aiming to maximize their income should consider pursuing special unit assignments and overtime opportunities. Additionally, educational incentives linked to advanced degrees and favorable pension multipliers can play a significant role in an officer’s total compensation package. Engaging with local unions can also provide insight into negotiating for higher pay structures, ensuring that officers are compensated fairly for their service in this Massachusetts community.
More salary data for Dartmouth, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,142 for police officersin the Dartmouth metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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