How Much Does a Boston Police Officer Make?
As one of the largest and most prestigious police departments in the United States, the Boston Police Department (BPD) attracts thousands of applicants each year. With a rich history and a commitment to serving and protecting the city of Boston, the BPD is a respected and admired law enforcement agency. But for those interested in joining the BPD, one of the most common questions is: How much does a Boston police officer make?
Basic Pay for Boston Police Officers
According to the Boston Police Department’s salary schedule, newly hired police officers start at a basic pay rate of $54,415 per year. This rate is for officers who have completed their probationary period, which typically lasts 18-24 months.
Pay Ranks and Steps
The Boston Police Department uses a pay rank system, with 13 different ranks, each with its own corresponding pay step. The pay steps are as follows:
| Rank | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Officer | $54,415 | $56,351 | $58,307 | $60,293 | $62,312 |
| Sergeant | $69,441 | $72,351 | $75,311 | $78,311 | $81,311 |
| Lieutenant | $81,441 | $84,311 | $87,211 | $90,201 | $93,211 |
| Captain | $94,441 | $97,311 | $100,211 | $103,201 | $106,211 |
| Inspector | $106,441 | $109,311 | $112,211 | $115,201 | $118,211 |
| Deputy Superintendent | $118,441 | $121,311 | $124,211 | $127,201 | $130,211 |
| Superintendent | $130,441 | $133,311 | $136,211 | $139,201 | $142,211 |
Benefits and Incentives
In addition to their base salary, Boston police officers are eligible for a range of benefits and incentives. These include:
- Health insurance: The city of Boston offers a comprehensive health insurance plan to all employees, including police officers.
- Retirement benefits: Police officers are eligible for a generous retirement plan, which includes a pension and healthcare benefits.
- Overtime pay: Police officers are eligible for overtime pay, which can significantly increase their take-home pay.
- Educational incentives: The BPD offers educational incentives to officers who pursue higher education, including tuition reimbursement and certification bonuses.
- Special duty pay: Officers who work special details, such as events and ceremonies, are eligible for additional pay.
Comparing Boston Police Officer Salaries to Other Cities
When comparing Boston police officer salaries to other cities, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly depending on the city and department. However, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Boston police officers are among the highest-paid in the country.
Here’s a comparison of Boston police officer salaries to other major cities in the United States:
| City | Police Officer Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $62,312 (average salary for a 5-year officer) |
| New York City, NY | $59,461 (average salary for a 5-year officer) |
| Los Angeles, CA | $55,465 (average salary for a 5-year officer) |
| Chicago, IL | $53,445 (average salary for a 5-year officer) |
| Philadelphia, PA | $49,415 (average salary for a 5-year officer) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Boston police officers are among the highest-paid in the country, with a starting salary of $54,415 per year. The department’s pay scale includes 13 different ranks, each with its own corresponding pay step. Additionally, police officers are eligible for a range of benefits and incentives, including health insurance, retirement benefits, overtime pay, educational incentives, and special duty pay. When comparing Boston police officer salaries to other cities, it’s clear that Boston officers are among the highest-paid in the country.
