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State comparison · 2025

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary: California vs Washington

Occupation

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in California earn a median of $118,880. In Washington, $102,080. After cost-of-living, the gap is 12.6% — not 16.5%.

Nominal pay gap
+16.5%
California vs Washington
COL-adjusted gap
+12.6%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Median
$118,880
p25
$97,280
p75
$126,780
p10
$76,300
p90
$153,190
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
See full breakdown for California

Washington

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Median
$102,080
p25
$92,930
p75
$118,480
p10
$79,120
p90
$132,200
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
107.0
See full breakdown for Washington

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.