How much does a Police Officer make in California?
Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.
Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Salaries for Police Officer in California range from $76,010 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $151,160 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $92,330 and $128,470.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $76,010 | $36.54 | $6,334 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,330 | $44.39 | $7,694 |
| Median (50th) | $115,400 | $55.48 | $9,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,470 | $61.76 | $10,705 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $151,160 | $72.67 | $12,596 |
Note: The mean (average) salary of $111,630 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
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What does this salary really buy? See Police Officer salary in California adjusted for cost of living →
Compare Police Officer pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 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