salary$110,400 a year$53 an hour · median pay in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$78,010per year
Top pay (top 10%)$151,960per year
Jobs in the area4,950people work this job
Can a police officer afford San Diego?
Expensive. Rent of $3,011 a month takes 32.7% of the median police officer salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Police Officer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a police officer make in San Diego, CA?
The median pay for a police officer in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area is $110,400 a year ($53 an hour). Most earn between $78,010 and $151,960.
Can a police officer afford to live in San Diego?
Typical rent of $3,011 a month takes 32.7% of the median police officer salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.