Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in California

$45,819 $148,694
10th pct Median: $86,450 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$45,819
25th Percentile$62,244
50th (Median)$86,450
75th Percentile$119,301
90th (Top Earners)$148,694
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The California median salary of $86,450 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers has the purchasing power of approximately $57,672 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

California's higher cost of living (COL index: 149.9) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in California?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California earn a median annual salary of $86,450 per year ($41.56/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $69,160.
Is California a good state for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
California pays above the national average for police and sheriff's patrol officers, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in California is higher average (COL index: 149.9).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 149.9 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $86,450 salary in California has the purchasing power of approximately $57,672 in Missouri. Higher living costs in California reduce real purchasing power.
How does California compare to neighboring states for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in California

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Radiologists $387,400
2 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $382,775
3 Neurologists $369,500
4 Surgeons, All Other $368,150
5 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $339,850
6 Psychiatrists $312,248
7 Physicians, Pathologists $304,900
8 General Internal Medicine Physicians $304,175
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the protective service sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Required: High school diploma

View national Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary data →