In San Diego, CA, Police Officers earn a median of $109,540 a year — about 43% above the U.S. median of $76,550. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #7.
What that pay is worth in San Diego
Local prices run 112 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $107,400 salary buys less than it looks — about $95,990 in national-average buying power.
Can Police Officers afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 — 7.9 times the average Police Officer salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,223/mo takes roughly 25% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Police Officer pay ladder in San Diego
Entry-level (10th percentile) Police Officers earn about $65,870; the top 10% reach $136,090 — a $70,220 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Police Officer job market in San Diego
San Diego employs roughly 5,380 Police Officers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Diego with other cities
See the full Police Officer salary by city ranking to weigh San Diego against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Police Officers make in San Diego?
The average Police Officer in San Diego, CA earns about $107,400 per year, 40.3% above the national average of $76,550.
What is the take-home pay for Police Officers in San Diego after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $107,400 salary is worth about $78,474 a year - roughly $6,539 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 27%.
What do the highest-paid Police Officers earn in San Diego?
The top 10% of Police Officers in San Diego earn about $136,090 a year, versus about $65,870 for the bottom 10%.
Can Police Officers afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 - roughly 7.9x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.