Public Service San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Police Officer Salary in San Diego, California

The median police officer salary in San Diego, CA is $93,422 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$93,422
vs State Avg
+$2,632
vs National
+$27,632
Cost of Living
142%

Police Officer Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median police officer salary of $93,422, which is $2,632 above the California state average of $90,790. Compared to the national median of $65,790, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,422 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $65,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for police officers in San Diego spans from $57,368 at the 10th percentile to $150,520 at the 90th percentile — a $93,152 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,640, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,160. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Police Officer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level police officer earns around $59,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,640
+$17,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,720
+$27,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,160
+$41,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $57,368
25th Percentile $72,704
Median (50th) $93,422
75th Percentile $123,824
90th Percentile $150,520

Police Officer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$119,738
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$110,527
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$96,053
Pop. 3,898,747
Sacramento, CA
$77,632
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Police Officer in San Diego

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in San Diego

Browse open police officer positions in San Diego, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in San Diego

How much does a Police Officer make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median police officer salary in San Diego, California is $93,422 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $57,368 (10th percentile) to $150,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,422, a police officer in San Diego earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for police officer pay? ▼
San Diego's median police officer salary of $93,422 is 2.9% above the California state average of $90,790. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $93,422 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in San Diego? ▼
Most police officer positions in San Diego 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.