Police Officer Salary in California
Police Officers in California earn an average of $87,263 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$87,263
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.95
per hour
vs National
+16.5%
$74,910 national
Salary Range
$56,340
to $126,052
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$87,263
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$61,453
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Police Officer's salary of $87,263 has the purchasing power of $61,453 in an average-cost area.
Police Officer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $100,867 | $48.49/hr | $65,478 | $146,760 | 951 |
| San Jose, CA | $100,517 | $48.33/hr | $64,355 | $146,218 | 679 |
| San Diego, CA | $83,781 | $40.28/hr | $55,355 | $118,260 | 616 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $81,476 | $39.17/hr | $54,436 | $117,603 | 916 |
| Sacramento, CA | $79,284 | $38.12/hr | $49,608 | $114,732 | 639 |
| Riverside, CA | $77,652 | $37.33/hr | $48,808 | $112,738 | 680 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Police Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 4,481 Police Officers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Police Officer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,340
Starting salary for new Police Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$87,263
Mid-career Police Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$126,052
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Police Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Police Officer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in California?
The average Police Officer salary in California is $87,263 per year ($41.95/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.5% above the national average of $74,910.
What is the highest paying city for Police Officers in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Police Officers in California, with a median salary of $100,867 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $77,652.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in California?
Police Officer salaries in California range from $56,340 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $126,052 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $87,263 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.