Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in California
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers in California was $118,880 +56.0% vs national
California vs United States
| California | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual | $118,880 | $76,210 |
| Median hourly | $57.15 | $36.64 |
| Employment | 65,940 | 670,520 |
| Location quotient | 0.84 | 1.00 |
Data source: BLS OES state file (California) · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $112,980 sits 5.0% below the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average down.
With approximately 65,940 police and sheriff's patrol officers employed in California, this is a major occupation in the labor market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in California?
The median annual wage in California is $118,880 ($57.15 per hour), per BLS OES May 2025 data.
How does California compare to the national average for police and sheriff's patrol officers?
The California median of $118,880 is 56.0% higher than the U.S. median of $76,210.
How many police and sheriff's patrol officers work in California?
Approximately 65,940 are employed in California, per BLS OES.