MARTA Police implements pay increases, hiring bonuses

ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Police Department (MPD) is implementing higher starting salaries for Police Officers and Protective Specialists, in addition to a three percent raise for all employees beginning in March 2022.

Protective Specialist starting pay has been increased to $20 per hour from $15, and Reserve Officer pay has been increased to $30 per hour. In addition to annual salary increases, Police Officers will receive a two percent pay increase in July 2022 and a five percent increase in July 2023.

“MARTA has an outstanding police force and it’s important we make salary and benefit adjustments to stay competitive with other law enforcement agencies, and to be able to attract and retain qualified applicants,” said MARTA Police Chief Scott Kreher.

The starting pay for newly-hired police applicants is $42,078.40. Upon completion of the Police Academy, officer pay will increase according to level of education:

High School Diploma:           $43,804.80

Associates Degree:                $45,531.20

Bachelor’s Degree:                $47,340.80

Additionally, all new officers will receive a $3,000 bonus upon completion of the Police Academy, training and a 3-year employment agreement.

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certified Police Officers who transfer to MPD will receive a $5,000 bonus upon completion of training and a 3-year employment agreement.

MARTA has also increased tuition reimbursement for current sworn MPD employees to $5,000 per year and covers the annual payment of each officer’s Georgia Peace Officer Annuity Fund.