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Police Officer Salary in San Diego, CA

Police Officer salary data for San Diego, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Police Officer Salary in San Diego, CA — 2026

The median Police Officer salary in San Diego, CA is $104,000 per year ($8,667/month, $50/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 160, which is 60% above the national average.

Entry Level
$75K
$36/hr
Median
$104K
$50/hr
Senior
$138K
$66/hr
Top Earner
$176K
$85/hr

Police Officer Take-Home Pay in San Diego

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$104,000
Federal Tax-$14,494
State Tax (9.3%)-$9,672
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$7,956
Annual Take-Home$71,878
Monthly Take-Home$5,990

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$2,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.8%
Median Home Price$780,000
Cost of Living Index160
City Median Salary$78,500
Police Officer vs City Median+$25,500

Police Officer Requirements

Education
High School Diploma / Associate's
Experience
Police Academy
Job Growth
3.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Law EnforcementReport WritingDe-escalationFirearmsCommunity Policing

San Diego Job Market Overview

San Diego, California has a population of 1,386,932 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. The top industries are Military, Biotech, Tourism. The local job growth rate is 2.2%, and the average commute time is 25 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Police Officer salary in San Diego, CA?
The median Police Officer salary in San Diego, CA is $104,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Police Officers earn around $75,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $137,600 or more.
How much does a Police Officer take home in San Diego after taxes?
A Police Officer earning the median salary of $104,000 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $71,878 per year ($5,990/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.9%.
Is San Diego a good city for Police Officers?
San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Police Officers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.
What skills are needed for a Police Officer in San Diego?
Key skills for Police Officers include Law Enforcement, Report Writing, De-escalation, Firearms, Community Policing. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma / Associate's. Valuable certifications include POST Certification, CPR, Defensive Tactics.
How does Police Officer salary in San Diego compare to the national average?
The national median Police Officer salary is $65,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $104,000, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Police Officer salary in San Diego, CA?

The median Police Officer salary in San Diego, CA is $104,000 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 160. Entry-level Police Officers earn around $75,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $137,600 or more.

How much does a Police Officer take home in San Diego after taxes?

A Police Officer earning the median salary of $104,000 in San Diego, CA takes home approximately $71,878 per year ($5,990/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 30.9%.

Is San Diego a good city for Police Officers?

San Diego, CA has a cost of living index of 160 (above national average). Police Officers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.8% and top industries include Military, Biotech, Tourism.

What skills are needed for a Police Officer in San Diego?

Key skills for Police Officers include Law Enforcement, Report Writing, De-escalation, Firearms, Community Policing. Typical education requirement is High School Diploma / Associate's. Valuable certifications include POST Certification, CPR, Defensive Tactics.

How does Police Officer salary in San Diego compare to the national average?

The national median Police Officer salary is $65,000. In San Diego, the adjusted salary is $104,000, which is 60.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.