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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$118,880
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.0% vs 2024
$112,980
Mean Salary
$118,880
Median Salary
$57.15
Hourly Rate
65,940 people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $76,300$76,30025th25% earn less than $97,280$97,280MedianHalf earn more than $118,880$118,88075th75% earn less than $126,780$126,78090thTop 10% earn more than $153,190$153,190

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California earn a median salary of $118,880 per year ($9,906/month). This is 60.3% above the national average of $74,181. California ranks #1 out of 51 states for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay. Approximately 65,940 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 3.0% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Social Perceptiveness
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.83
Law and Government
4.82
English Language
4.26
Psychology
4.09
Customer and Personal Service
3.98
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (40.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California

Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California range from $76,300 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $153,190 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $97,280 and $126,780.

Median $118,880
P10: $76,300 P25: $97,280 P75: $126,780 P90: $153,190
10th
$76,300
25th
$97,280
Median
$118,880
75th
$126,780
90th
$153,190
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $76,300 $36.68 $6,358
25th Percentile $97,280 $46.77 $8,106
Median (50th) $118,880 $57.15 $9,906
75th Percentile $126,780 $60.95 $10,565
90th Percentile (Experienced) $153,190 $73.65 $12,765

Note: The mean (average) salary of $112,980 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
California ranks #1 of 51 states
$74,181
National avg. for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
+60.3%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Data in California

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary by State

Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in California?
The median annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California is $118,880 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $112,980.
What is the salary range for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California?
Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California range from $76,300 at the 10th percentile to $153,190 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $97,280 and $126,780.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California?
Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions in California typically start around $76,300 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $97,280 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 65,940 people are employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California is approximately $57.15 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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