Police Officer Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $80,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time police officer in Fitchburg, MA earns a median $80,497/year (≈ $38.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Once you factor in Fitchburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $74,191 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Fitchburg, MA, offers a median annual salary of $80,497 for police officers, reflecting a competitive compensation level compared to the national median of $78,542. The salary structure ranges from $50,944 at the 10th percentile to $117,493 at the 90th percentile, making it essential for future recruits to understand this spectrum. Alongside these figures, it is crucial to consider the long-term value of the pension multiplier and retirement compensation, which can significantly impact overall earnings. With local estimates based on the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, the role of police officers in Fitchburg aligns with broader trends in public safety employment driven by regional cost adjustments and specific job market conditions.
About the Fitchburg Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,944 | $24.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,389 | $29.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,497 | $38.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,848 | $48.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,493 | $56.49 |
Median Salary Position
2.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fitchburg
In Fitchburg, MA, the police officer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,549 (2026 est.). At $80,497, the local median is 2.49% above the national median of $78,542.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fitchburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fitchburg Police Officer Pay Compares
Fitchburg median: $80,497/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fitchburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $81,640 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $78,542 | +2.49% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fitchburg has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fitchburg, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,497 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,191 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,722
2025 BLS Actual
$78,107
2026 Current Est.
$80,497
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Police Officers in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,722 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,218 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,079 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,747 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fitchburg metropolitan area, the median police officer salary grew 20.7% from $64,722 (2019) to $78,107 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,238 (28.18%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,944 – $62,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,389 – $80,497 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,497 – $101,848 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,848 – $117,493 |
PO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual police officer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Police Officer Job Market in Fitchburg
Fitchburg's local job market employs ten police officers, indicating a stable yet competitive environment for those considering a career in law enforcement. The city's cost of living index sits at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries may seem reasonable, they may not stretch as far, impacting take-home purchasing power. Among the various agencies, municipal police departments typically offer pay that reflects the city's budgetary constraints. The disparity between the lower and higher salaries in Fitchburg is influenced by several factors, including agency type, union contracts, and incentives linked to specialized units or higher education. To maximize compensation, officers can focus on seeking roles in specialized teams, pursuing educational advancements that offer additional benefits, and understanding the nuances of overtime policies that can enhance their earnings potential significantly. Additionally, considering post-retirement paths in federal security roles could provide a lucrative future for those aiming to build a sustainable financial foundation.
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
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 $78,107 for police officersin the Fitchburg 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 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