Salary distribution
Where San Francisco police and sheriff's patrol officers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $123,660 and $139,410, with a median of $133,190.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.8 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.3 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- 02
Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- 03
Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- 04
Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- 05
Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
- 06
Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
- 07
Monitor, note, report, and investigate suspicious persons and situations, safety hazards, and unusual or illegal activity in patrol area.
- 08
Testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in traffic and criminal cases.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for police and sheriff's patrol officers.
- San Jose$150,650
- Los Angeles$115,630
- Sacramento$112,630
- San Diego$109,190
- Riverside$106,850
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $133,190.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +15.4% versus the California state median of $115,400.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +67.8% versus the BLS national figure of $79,360.
- What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $87,780 and the 90th-percentile at $153,070 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.