Entry Level Officer

Start strong—or don’t start lington PD is ready when you are.

Hiring Update, June 18, 2026: Thank you for your interest in joining the Burlington PD. We are currently moving forward with a selection of candidates. However, we continue to accept applications and encourage qualified individuals to apply, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring process or as future vacancies arise.

NOTE ON ELIGIBILITY: To be considered eligible to apply, you must meet the following minimum passing scores before submitting your application.

• Non-Veterans: 75% or higher
• Veterans: 70% or higher

The Burlington Police Department will be hosting a Get Badged Entry Exam on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Candidates may complete their exam at any Get Badged testing location and submit their application in advance;
Burlington will host this exam locally to provide a convenient opportunity for members of the surrounding communities. The department’s formal review of applications will begin immediately following the release of exam scores, during the week of May 18th. Candidates who have already met all eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply early to ensure they are positioned for timely consideration.

Entry Level at Burlington PD isn’t a stepping stone—it’s a launchpad. Burlington PD is building from the ground up—and doing it right. It’s a community that’s engaged, supportive, and expects a high standard from the officers who serve it.

• Want more than “just getting hired”
• Take pride in preparation
• Are ready to be developed—not just placed

• Strong training.
• Real leadership.
• A culture that holds the line.

Required Passing Score for Eligibility:

• Non-Veteran: 75% and above
• Veteran: 70% and above

Applications from Non‑Vets scoring below 75% will not be considered.

• Citizenship:
  Be a U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization).
• Age Requirements:
  Be at least 21 and no older than 45 as of the date of the written examination.
• Driver's License:
  Possess a valid Massachusetts driver's license (or obtain one within 6 months of appointment).
• Education:
  
  Possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate (preference may be given to those candidates that have a college degree, military experience or combination).
• Certifications:
  
  Must be able to obtain a Massachusetts Class A License to Carry a Firearm.
• Tattoo Policy:
  No employee displays any tattoo, body art, or body piercing that can be deemed offensive to the general public. Candidates shall not display tattoos or body art depicting racism, sexism, obscenity and/or profanity.
• No-Smoking:
  Must be a non-smoker and remain a non-smoker.
• Background:
  Candidates shall not have any felony convictions or equivalent convictions that would be a felony in Massachusetts.
• PAT Fitness Test:
  Must pass the Physical Fitness Test.
• Academy Training:
  Successful completion of full MPTC Academy to achieve basic certification as a police officer.
• Characteristic Traits:
  Have a strong character background.
• Entry Exam:
  Must pass the Get Badged entry exam (75% or higher for non-Veterans, 70% or higher for Veterans).

All candidates must understand that these basic, minimum qualifications do not guarantee candidates an offer of employment. All candidates will be assessed for their fitness for the position through an entire selection process.

• Candidates with language skills, advanced educational degrees or certificates, or specialized training (forensics, computer skills, medical) are encouraged to apply.

Annual Salary

• Step 1: $67,652 = $1,301 per week base salary.
• Additional education incentive pay available. For example, if the officer has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, there is an additional 17.5% = $1,530 per week.
• Additional 6% stipend on top of base if the officer works nights (4pm - 12am, 12am - 8am) = $1,380 per week.
• Certified EMTs are eligible for an additional 6% increase and department-funded recerts.

• On July 1, 2027, the criminal justice education pay increases to 10% for an Associate's Degree, 20% for…