Hawthorne vs San Francisco: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hawthorne, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hawthorne, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,232 | $136,039▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.52 | $65.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,783 | $98,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,481 | $128,794▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,705 | $146,149▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,554 | $161,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 7,990▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hawthorne.
The salary gap between Hawthorne and San Francisco is $26,807 (24.54%). San Francisco's median is +73.21% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hawthorne spans $96,771,San Francisco spans $63,176. Hawthorne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($117,668 effective) pays 21.83% more than Hawthorne ($96,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hawthorne if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,039/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,485)
- ✓Larger job market (7,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,668)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hawthorne grew -12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Hawthorne, CA
$120,690 (2024) → $105,989 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$121,650 (2019) → $132,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hawthorne, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hawthorne or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hawthorne and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Hawthorne to San Francisco as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Hawthorne vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov