As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Police Sergeant in California is $92,149 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Police Sergeant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Police Sergeant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $105,744 | $8,812 | $2,034 | $51 |
| Average | $92,149 | $7,679 | $1,772 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,901 | $6,658 | $1,537 | $38 |
City of Dixon, CA - Dixon, CA
City of Lakeport - Lakeport, CA
City and County of San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
City of Lancaster - Lancaster, CA
A Police Sergeant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Police Sergeant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Investigator | 0-0 years | $83,785 |
| Police Sergeant | 0-5 years | $92,149 |
| Police Lieutenant | 5+ years | $118,277 |
| Sheriff/Police Chief | 5-10 years | $143,998 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Police Sergeants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Police Sergeant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $105,744 | $8,812 | $2,034 | $51 |
| Average | $92,149 | $7,679 | $1,772 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,901 | $6,658 | $1,537 | $38 |
For a Police Sergeant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Police Lieutenant role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $118,277 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Police Sergeant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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