Public Service Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Police Officer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median police officer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $96,053 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$96,053
vs State Avg
+$5,263
vs National
+$30,263
Cost of Living
146%

Police Officer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median police officer salary of $96,053, which is $5,263 above the California state average of $90,790. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $96,053 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in Los Angeles spans from $58,984 at the 10th percentile to $154,760 at the 90th percentile — a $95,776 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,320, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,080. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level police officer earns around $61,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,320
+$19,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,360
+$30,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,080
+$45,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $58,984
25th Percentile $74,752
Median (50th) $96,053
75th Percentile $127,312
90th Percentile $154,760

Police Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$119,738
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$110,527
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$93,422
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$77,632
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Police Officer in Los Angeles

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open police officer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Police Officer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median police officer salary in Los Angeles, California is $96,053 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $58,984 (10th percentile) to $154,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,053, a police officer in Los Angeles earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for police officer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median police officer salary of $96,053 is 5.8% above the California state average of $90,790. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $96,053 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most police officer positions in Los Angeles require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.