How Much Does a Public Safety Director Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Public Safety Director in California is $118,249. While Salary.com is seeing that Public Safety Director salary in CA can go up to $176,061 or down to $62,133, but most earn between $88,876 and $148,510. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $88,876 10% $62,133 90% $176,061 75% $148,510 $118,249 50%(Median)
Related Job Titles to Public Safety Director
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Similar Job Salaries to Public Safety Director by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
County of Nevada, CA
County Public Safety Director
$84,012/yr
$73,734
$94,290
RANGE: $73,734 - $94,290
City of Costa Mesa
Public Safety Dispatcher/Senior Public Safety Dispatcher
$64,761/yr
$57,386
$72,136
RANGE: $57,386 - $72,136
$55,013/yr
$49,402
$60,624
RANGE: $49,402 - $60,624
City of Placentia
Public Safety Communications Manager
$102,624/yr
$91,214
$114,033
RANGE: $91,214 - $114,033
City of Santa Clara
Public Safety Dispatcher II
$74,325/yr
$65,861
$82,788
RANGE: $65,861 - $82,788
City of Torrance
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
$64,466/yr
$57,125
$71,807
RANGE: $57,125 - $71,807
Paradise Valley Hospital
Public Safety Officer
$49,599/yr
$43,941
$55,257
RANGE: $43,941 - $55,257
University of the Pacific
Public Safety Officer
$47,201/yr
$42,385
$52,018
RANGE: $42,385 - $52,018
SAN DIEGO THEATRES INC
PUBLIC SAFETY REP (PT)
$52,585/yr
$47,337
$57,833
RANGE: $47,337 - $57,833
City of Banning California
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER
$50,494/yr
$44,747
$56,242
RANGE: $44,747 - $56,242

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Public Safety Director Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Public Safety Director can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Public Safety Director job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Public Safety Director jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Public Safety Director positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Public Safety Director salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Public Safety Director salary is $135,220 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Public Safety Director salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Public Safety Director in California is $118,249, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Public Safety Director jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Public Safety Director jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $135,220 $11,268 $2,600 $65
Santa Clara $135,220 $11,268 $2,600 $65
Fremont $134,963 $11,247 $2,595 $65
San Francisco $133,891 $11,158 $2,575 $64
Daly City $133,891 $11,158 $2,575 $64
Berkeley $130,921 $10,910 $2,518 $63
Oakland $130,921 $10,910 $2,518 $63
Hayward $130,707 $10,892 $2,514 $63
Antioch $123,524 $10,294 $2,375 $59
Vallejo $120,608 $10,051 $2,319 $58

What Does a Public Safety Director Do?

In such cases, directors of public safety collaborate with first responders and other city officials to address public safety needs without overwhelming available resources.
Updated November 25, 2021
“The Aiken Department of Public Safety is committed to protecting the life and property of our citizens while promoting a safe community.
Updated November 02, 2021
Directors of public safety must strategically distribute limited resources to ensure that no priority is shortchanged.
Updated October 14, 2021
Directors of public safety apply a range of strategies, including law enforcement, to ensure public safety.
Updated October 05, 2021
Directors of public safety lead and coordinate multiple departments — often in high stress situations.
Updated December 20, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Public Safety Director Salaries

What is the average of a Public Safety Director in California?

The Public Safety Director salary range is from $88,876 to $148,510, and the average Public Safety Director salary is $118,249/year in California. The Public Safety Director's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Public Safety Director salary in the United States?

The Public Safety Director salary in San Jose, CA is $135,220 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Public Safety Director's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Public Safety Director.

What is the growth rate of the Public Safety Director's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Public Safety Director or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Public Safety Director.