Police Officer Salary in California
Based on 66K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$118,880
$57.15/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+60.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $153K
66K employed in California
The median Police Officer salary in California is $118,880 per year, which translates to approximately $57 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, standing at 60.3% above it. With 65,940 individuals employed in this profession across the state, California offers substantial earning potential for law enforcement.
Several factors influence the specific Police Officer salary in California, including years of experience, the employing agency's location and size, and any specialized units or responsibilities. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary range, around $76,300, while seasoned officers in high-demand areas or leadership roles can earn up to $153,190 annually.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,300 |
| 25th percentile | $97,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $118,880 |
| 75th percentile | $126,780 |
| 90th percentile | $153,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $118,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,446 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $118,880 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,446 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $118,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $126,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $153,190 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Police Officer ($118,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in CA | $85,120 | -28.4% | $40.92/hr |
| Security Guard in CA | $43,240 | -63.6% | $20.79/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in CA | $118,970 | +0.1% | $57.20/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +0.4% | $57.41/hr |
| Web Developer in CA | $119,570 | +0.6% | $57.49/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CA | $120,910 | +1.7% | $58.13/hr |
| Computer Programmer in CA | $116,760 | -1.8% | $56.13/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in CA | $121,260 | +2.0% | $58.30/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | -2.4% | $55.77/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | +3.0% | $58.89/hr |
| Physical Therapist in CA | $124,190 | +4.5% | $59.71/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CA | $124,390 | +4.6% | $59.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in California?
- The median Police Officer salary in California is $118,880 per year. This means half of all police officers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for a Police Officer in California?
- The salary for a Police Officer in California typically falls between $76,300 and $153,190 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and responsibilities.
How does a Police Officer's salary in California compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in California are considerably higher than the national average. They are approximately 60.3% above the national median, indicating a strong earning potential in the state.
How many Police Officers are employed in California?
- There are a substantial number of police officers employed in California, with a total of 65,940 individuals in this role. This indicates a robust job market for law enforcement professionals in the state.