Police Officer in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Quincy’s police salary sits in a solid middle-to-upper tier for the South Shore and Greater Boston suburbs. The city’s pay structure is competitive, but you need to understand the tiers. The median salary for a Police Officer in Quincy is $77,516/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.27/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $74,910/year, a key advantage for living in a high-cost area like Massachusetts.

However, your actual take-home depends heavily on where you are in your career. Quincy’s Police Department (QPD) has a structured pay scale based on years of service and rank. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local contract data and state averages:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Quincy)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $72,000	Patrol duties, academy training, probationary period.
Mid-Career	$77,000 - $85,000	Full patrol, potential for field training officer (FTO) roles, community engagement.
Senior Officer	$86,000 - $95,000	Senior patrol officer, specialist assignments (traffic, detectives), union leadership.
Expert/Sergeant	$100,000+	Supervisory roles, specialty unit leadership, administrative duties.

Comparison to Other MA Cities:
Quincy offers a competitive wage compared to its immediate neighbors.

• Boston: Higher base pay (often starting over $80k), but cost of living and commute challenges are severe.
• Braintree/Randolph: Similar pay scales, with a slightly lower cost of living. Commuting to Quincy from Braintree is common.
• Cambridge: Significantly higher pay (often over $90k starting), but housing is prohibitively expensive for many.
• Weymouth: Comparable pay, with a larger town feel and more affordable housing options in some sections.

The job market is tight. The metro area has only about 203 jobs, and the 10-year job growth is a modest 3%. This means openings are competitive, and lateral transfers from other departments are common. Knowing someone in the department or having a stellar record from another agency can be a significant advantage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be blunt: Quincy is expensive. The cost of living index is 111.6, meaning it's 11.6% higher than the national average. The biggest hit is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,377/month. For a Police Officer earning the median salary of $77,516/year (about $6,460/month gross), here’s what a realistic monthly budget looks like.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Officer, Median Salary):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Reality
Gross Income	$6,460
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,615	This includes federal, state (MA has a flat 5% rate), and FICA. Net pay is roughly $4,845.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$2,377	This is the city average. A roommate in a 2BR can cut this to ~$1,300-$1,500.
Utilities	-$150	Includes Eversource (electric/gas), Comcast/Xfinity (internet).
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Quincy has limited parking; many residents rely on a car. Insurance rates are high in MA.
Gas/Commuting	-$200	If you don’t drive to work (most QPD officers do), this is for personal travel.
Food & Groceries	-$400	Shop at Stop & Shop or Shaw's for basics; Quincy has some great local delis.
Miscellaneous	-$500	Health insurance premiums (if not fully covered), savings, entertainment, gym.
Remaining	-$368	Can they afford to buy a home? On this budget, it's extremely tight. A median-priced home in Quincy is over $600k. Most officers buy in more affordable towns like Weymouth, Braintree, or Randolph, or wait until they are in a senior role or have a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: Many Quincy officers live in neighboring towns like Weymouth, Hanover, or even further south in Brockton or Abington for more affordable housing, accepting a 20-30 minute commute. The key is to budget aggressively in your first few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

While the Quincy Police Department (QPD) is the primary employer, the broader metro area offers related opportunities. The QPD itself is a large, professional department with over 200 sworn officers, covering a city of 101,607 people.

1. Quincy Police Department (QPD): The main game in town. They offer competitive benefits, a strong union (Quincy Patrolmen's Association), and opportunities for specialization (SWAT, Detective Bureau, Traffic Division). Hiring is typically done through the MA Civil Service exam, which is held periodically. Hiring Trend: Steady but slow; they replace retirees and expand occasionally. Lateral transfers are considered if you have a clean record and meet MA standards.
2. Norfolk County Sheriff's Office: Located in Dedham (a short drive), this agency handles the county jail, court security, and civil process. They often have openings for Correctional Officers and Deputies, which can be a stepping stone to municipal policing.
3. Massachusetts State Police: Troop H (Headquarters) is in Boston, but many troopers live on the South Shore. The pay is higher, but the job is often more highway-centric and statewide. The hiring process is rigorous and longer than municipal departments.
4. Security for Major Employers: Quincy is home to several large employers that require robust security teams. Boston Financial Data Services (in the former "Quincy Center" skyscraper), Manulife (John Hancock's parent company), and Sovereign Bank (now Santander) all have security departments that may hire former law enforcement.
5. Hospitals: Boston Medical Center HealthNet has a major facility in Quincy, and Beth Israel Deaconess - Milton is nearby. Hospital security is a growing field and often offers shift differentials. Hiring Trend: Stable; these roles value prior law enforcement experience.
6. Quincy City Government: Beyond the police, the city employs code enforcement, animal control, and parking enforcement officers. These are often separate civil service positions.
7. Private Security Firms: Companies like Securitas and Allied Universal have contracts with Quincy's waterfront businesses (like Marina Bay) and corporate offices. Pay can be lower, but it's a way to build local experience.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear, but strict, pathway to becoming a police officer. You cannot simply apply; you must be certified.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Academy: All municipal officers must complete the full-time, 24-week academy at the MPTC Academy in Randolph. It's physically and academically demanding. Cost: The academy itself is free for recruits hired by a department. You are paid a salary during training (though often at a lower rate). However, you must pay for your own gear, uniforms, and incidentals (approx. $2,000 - $4,000 upfront).
2. Civil Service Exam: For most cities like Quincy, you must pass the state's Civil Service exam. It's a competitive written test. You must be on the eligible list to be considered for hire.
3. Background & Psychological Exam: This is the most rigorous part. Quincy will conduct a full background check, polygraph, psychological evaluation, and medical exam.
4. POST Certification: Upon graduation from the academy and completion of your probationary period (usually 1 year), you receive your Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Phase 1 (0-6 Months): Study for and take the Civil Service exam. Get in peak physical condition.
• Phase 2 (6-12 Months): Apply to departments when they open hiring. If hired, you'll attend the MPTC academy.
• Phase 3 (12-30 Months): Complete academy, field training, and probation. You are now a fully certified, sworn officer.
• Total Time: From starting the process to being off probation can take 2-3 years.

Insider Tip: Start by getting a "Civil Service" job first (like a dispatcher or jailer) to get your foot in the door and understand the system. Also, volunteer in the community—Quincy PD values community-oriented candidates.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods (and nearby towns) that are popular with QPD personnel:

Neighborhood/Area	Estimated Rent (1BR)	Commute to QPD HQ	Vibe & Insider Insight
Quincy Center	$2,200 - $2,600	5-15 min walk/bus	The Urban Core. New luxury apartments, vibrant nightlife (The Fat Cat, The Alley). Great if you want to be near everything, but parking is a nightmare. Best for single officers without a car.
North Quincy	$2,000 - $2,400	10-15 min drive	Family-Friendly & Transit-Oriented. Red Line T station, diverse food scene (Asian markets, bakeries). More residential, quieter. A popular choice for young families.
Wollaston	$1,800 - $2,200	15-20 min drive	Suburban Feel. Beach access (Wollaston Beach), more single-family homes. A bit quieter, but still has the T. Good balance for officers wanting space without a long commute.
Weymouth (Near Border)	$1,600 - $2,000	20-25 min drive	The Affordable Alternative. Much more house for your money. Popular with first-time homebuyers and officers with families. You trade a longer commute for financial breathing room.

Final Neighborhood Tip: If you're single and on a budget, look for a roommate in a 2BR in North Quincy or Wollaston. If you're looking to buy, start your search in Weymouth or Braintree—your dollar goes much further, and the commute to Quincy is manageable on side streets or 93/3.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A police career in Quincy is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year job growth of 3% reflects a stable, mature department. Growth comes from internal promotion and specialization, not expansion.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Shift Differential: Officers working evening or night shifts typically earn an extra $1.00 - $2.00/hour.
• Specialty Pay: Assignments like Detective, SWAT, K-9, and FTO come with small stipends or premium pay. For example, an FTO might earn an extra $500 - $1,000/year.
• Incentive Pay: Education incentives are common. A Bachelor's degree can add 3-5% to your base pay. A Master's degree adds more. This is a key way to boost your salary without promotion.
• Promotion to Sergeant: This is the first major step into management. It requires passing a promotional exam and having a strong record. A Sergeant's salary starts over $100,000, but so do the responsibilities (supervising 4-6 officers, administrative work, court appearances).

10-Year Outlook:
The job will remain stable. The core function won't change, but expect more emphasis on community policing, mental health response, and technology (body cams, digital forensics). The retirement of baby boomer officers will create openings for promotions. To advance, you must be proactive—seek out specialty assignments, get involved in the union, and pursue higher education. With 10 years of service, a mid-tier officer with education incentives can easily be earning $90,000 - $100,000/year.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy offers a professional, well-compensated police career in a dynamic, diverse city. However, it requires careful financial planning and a tolerance for a high cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Competive Salary: $77,516/year median is strong for the South Shore.	Very High Cost of Living: Rent at $2,377/month eats a huge chunk of your pay.
Strong Benefits: Good health insurance, pension, and union protection.	Limited Home Ownership: Buying a home in Quincy is out of reach for most single officers.
Diverse, Dynamic City: You'll police a bustling, multicultural community with a rich history.	Competitive Job Market: Only 203 jobs in the metro; hiring is slow.
Career Stability: Established department with clear advancement paths and low turnover.	Long Commute for Affordable Housing: You'll likely need to live outside the city to make your budget work.
Proximity to Boston: Easy access to the city for entertainment without living in it.	High Stress Environment: Urban policing in a dense suburb with major highways (93, 3) and a large homeless population.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for a dedicated officer who is financially savvy and career-driven. If you are willing to live with a roommate for the first few years, or commute from a neighboring town, you can build a stable, rewarding career. It's ideal for those who want the energy of a city without being in downtown Boston. It may not be the best fit for a single officer looking to buy a home immediately, but with strategic planning and a few years of service, it can be a fantastic long-term home for your career.

FAQs

1. I’m lateral from another state. Can I skip the MA academy?
No. Massachusetts does not have reciprocity with other states. You must attend the full MPTC academy, even with years of experience. Your prior experience will help you pass the academy and potentially advance in rank faster, but the training is mandatory.

2. How hard is it to get hired by Quincy PD directly from the Civil Service list?
It's competitive. The Civil Service exam is the first hurdle. After that, Quincy will interview the top-ranked candidates from the list. Being a resident of Quincy or Norfolk County can be a tie-breaker. Having no criminal record, a clean driving history, and strong references is non-negotiable.

3. What is the retirement plan like?
Quincy uses a "32 years at 70%" formula. If you work 32 years and are at least 62 years old, you receive 70% of your final average salary as a pension. It's a defined benefit plan, which is becoming rare, and is a major benefit of the job.

4. Can I work part-time or reserve while in the academy?
No, the MPTC academy is a full-time commitment, 5 days a week, for 24 weeks. You cannot hold another job during this time. You will be paid a salary by your hiring department.

5. What's the biggest surprise for new officers moving to Quincy?
The sheer volume of traffic and the homeless population, especially around Quincy Center and the T stations. The city is a crossroads, so you'll deal with highway accidents, DUIs, and transient issues more than in a purely residential town. It's a busy, demanding beat that will test your skills quickly.